Congressional & National Medals

About This Coin

Representing the highest civilian and military honors bestowed by the United States government, Congressional & National Medals encompass the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal and related national awards struck at the U.S. Mint. Congressional Gold Medals have been awarded since the American Revolution — George Washington received the first in 1776 — and recipients include military heroes, foreign dignitaries, humanitarian leaders, scientists, and cultural icons. Each medal requires a separate act of Congress, making the gold medal itself an extraordinarily rare piece, with the original presentation medal typically residing in the recipient's family or a museum. Bronze duplicates, however, have been produced at the Philadelphia Mint for public sale since the 19th century, creating an accessible collecting category that allows numismatists to own faithful reproductions of some of America's most important medallic art. The category also includes National Medals authorized by Congress for broader distribution, honoring achievements in science, exploration, the arts, and public service. Within the U.S. Mint Medals series, Congressional & National Medals command respect as the Mint's most artistically ambitious productions, often featuring designs by the nation's leading sculptors and engravers. A notable auction result reached $5.1K in PR69 grade at Goldberg Auctioneers, with original gold presentation pieces commanding vastly higher sums when they appear on the market.