Brooklyn Bicentennial Medals Appraisal

Borough of Brooklyn American Bicentennial Commemorative Medals (1776-1976)

This set features two commemorative medals originating from the Borough of Brooklyn, City of New York, issued for the United States Bicentennial in 1976. The medals are struck in solid bronze with a circular, high-relief design. The obverse of one medal displays the Brooklyn Bicentennial Commission logo—a stylized architectural column topped with an eternal flame—surrounded by text noting 'Borough of Brooklyn' and dates '1776-1976.' The other medal features the historic Seal of Brooklyn, depicting a Roman fasces representing unity, a female figure (the Goddess of Justice), and the Dutch motto 'Eendraght Maeckt Maght' (Unity Makes Strength). Physically, the medals possess a warm golden-brown patina consistent with aged bronze. They appear in excellent, uncirculated condition with sharp strike details and minimal surface wear. They are housed in their original presentation case, which features a deep blue velvet-lined tray and a white satin lid liner. These pieces are significant examples of 20th-century American numismatic art commissioned for local municipal celebrations. The craftsmanship is high-quality, showing clean edge transitions and professional die-striking techniques typical of private mint productions from the mid-1970s.