CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. Issued in 1980. Authentic. Rare.

Description: Congressional Gold Medal. Authentic. Not a reproduction. What is a Congressional Gold Medal? Wikipedia says succinctly: 'The Congressional Gold Medal is the oldest and highest civilian award in the United States, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is bestowed by vote of the United States Congress. The Gold Medal seeks to impart the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions.' George Washington was awarded the first Congressional Gold Medal. Bob Hope was awarded one in 1962. Joe Louis was awarded one in 1982. John Wayne was awarded one in 1979. Besides worthy individuals, certain 'events and institutions' are award Congressional Gold Medals. For example 'Monuments Men', 'American Red Cross' and 'Rosie the Riveter' were awarded medals. The medal I am selling was awarded on July 8, 1980 to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team. Why were these medals issued? Again from Wikipedia: 'To recognize the athletes of the 1980 US Summer Olympic team, who forfeited the Moscow games due to the United States boycott to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Because of the high volume of medals needed, Congress authorized the U.S. Mint to forge gold-plated medals in lieu of standard solid gold medals.' The medal I'm selling is three inches in diameter, a quarter of an inch thick. Wikipedia is correct: this medal is gold plated. Not solid gold. In the big picture, a Congressional Gold Medal is exceedingly rare. As of August 23, 2024, only 184 people, events, or institutions have been awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. Finding a Congressional Gold Medal being offered for sale is even more rare. I've found only one instance of a Congressional Gold medal being sold... a 'New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal'. In 2011 the New Frontiers medals were awarded to Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and John Glenn. In 2022 Buzz Aldrin's New Frontier medal sold by Sotheby's for $226,800.

Price: 9750 USD

Location: Seattle, Washington

End Time: 2024-09-23T20:08:25.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD