Unusual US Commemorative

[Narthoniel]

I was searching through my collection of coins recently, and came across this coin. I dont recall ever obtaining it, but, there it was. I have done some research, and know it is 40-50 years old. They were made and sold for $1 each to raise money for the reconstruction of the ship. If anyone else has any information on this, I would appreciate it. The quarter is for reference only.

Thanks,
Anthony

 

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[Narthoniel]

The backside is a little dark. It reads:

THIS COIN SRUCK
FROM PARTS OF THE
FRIGATE
CONSTELLATION
THE FIRST SHIP
OF THE U.S. NAVY

 

[watercolor]

I'll be darn. . . I have one of those! A friend from school gave me one in the mid 1960's as I recall.

The one I have came sealed in a little plastic baggie with a piece of paper that explained basically what was
stamped on the back of the coin. . . I'll see if I can find the paper and post a pic. . . it's packed away someplace in the basement :P

 

[Narthoniel]

That sounds great. But, if it is not convenient, then it's not that big of an issue

 

[Mackaydon]

Launched in 1797, the U.S. frigate Constellation saw action against the Barbary pirates and the French Navy in the late 18th century, was blockaded during the War of 1812 but won engagements in the Mediterranean in 1815, and after being rebuilt in the mid 1850s served in the Civil War. Eventually, it became a training ship, and during World War II was honored as the flagship of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. It remained officially active until 1955, concluding the longest record of service in the Navy. A few years later, it was restored and permanently berthed at Baltimore, Maryland. To help raise funds for the project, the Constellation Committee offered medals like this one, struck from the ship's original copper spikes, for a donation of $1 each. Contributors also received lifetime free admission to the Constellation. Such commemorative issues, containing metal from famous sites or objects- mines, buildings, ships, captured cannons, aircraft, and even spacecraft- are known as "made from" or "relic" medals. Yours usually retails for $5-10, VF or better.

Don.......
Source: http://www.treasurenet.com/westeast/199901/askmarkparker.html