1925 Norse-American Medal (Thick Planchet)

The 1925 Norse-American Medal occupies a curious and fascinating niche in American numismatics. It is not a coin in the traditional sense (it has no denomination and was never legal tender), yet it was struck by the United States Mint, authorized by Congress, and has been collected alongside commemorative coins for a century. The thick planchet variety, distinguished by its noticeably heavier and thicker flan compared to the standard thin variety, is the scarcer and more sought-after version, commanding significant premiums among both commemorative collectors and medal specialists.

This medal was created to celebrate the centennial of the arrival of the first organized group of Norwegian immigrants to America, aboard the sloop Restaurationen in 1825. It represents a unique intersection of American and Scandinavian heritage, struck in precious metal by the national mint, and offered to the public in two distinct varieties that have kept collectors debating and pursuing them ever since.

Historical Background

The Norse Immigration Centennial

In 1825, a group of 52 Norwegian Quakers and sympathizers sailed from Stavanger, Norway, aboard the sloop Restaurationen (often called the "Norwegian Mayflower") and arrived in New York on October 9, 1825. This voyage marked the beginning of organized Norwegian immigration to America, a migration that would eventually bring over 800,000 Norwegians to the United States, primarily settling in the Upper Midwest.

By 1925, Norwegian-Americans had become a significant cultural and economic force in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. The centennial of the Restaurationen's voyage was a major celebration, and the Norse-American Centennial Committee petitioned Congress for a commemorative medal to mark the occasion.

Congressional Authorization

Congress authorized the medal on March 1, 1925. Importantly, the legislation authorized a medal, not a coin. This means the Norse-American Medal has no face value and was never legal tender. However, Congress specified that the medal would be struck at the Philadelphia Mint using approved dies, giving it the legitimacy and quality associated with official U.S. Mint products.

The medals were sold to the Norse-American Centennial Committee at a price based on the silver content plus a minting charge, and the committee then sold them to the public at a premium to fund centennial celebrations.

Design

Obverse

The obverse features a Viking ship sailing to the left, with the inscription "NORSE-AMERICAN CENTENNIAL" around the periphery and the dates "1825" and "1925" on either side of the ship. The design evokes the seafaring heritage of the Norse explorers and immigrants.

Reverse

The reverse depicts a kneeling Viking figure in traditional Norse garb, looking forward toward a new land. The inscription "AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcs around the top.

Both designs were created by James Earle Fraser, the celebrated sculptor who also designed the Buffalo Nickel (1913). Fraser's involvement gives the medal additional artistic and numismatic significance.

The Two Varieties

The Norse-American Medal was struck in two distinctly different formats:

Thin Planchet

• Thickness: Approximately 1.5mm

• Weight: Approximately 15 grams

• Mintage: Approximately 59,000 (various sources give slightly different figures)

• Appearance: Similar in thickness to a silver dollar

Thick Planchet

• Thickness: Approximately 3mm

• Weight: Approximately 30 grams

• Mintage: Approximately 40,000-43,000 (estimates vary)

• Appearance: Noticeably thicker and heavier, with a more substantial feel

The thick planchet variety is the scarcer of the two, with a mintage roughly 25-30% lower than the thin variety. The thick planchet also has a more impressive physical presence, which contributes to its collector appeal.

Silver Content and Composition

• Fineness: .925 silver (sterling silver)

• Silver Content (thin): Approximately 0.45 troy ounces

• Silver Content (thick): Approximately 0.90 troy ounces

• Diameter: 33.5mm (both varieties)

The thick planchet contains roughly twice the silver of the thin variety, which provides a higher intrinsic value floor.

Current Market Values (2024-2026)

Thick Planchet

Grade	Estimated Value
About Good to Good (AG-G)	$150 - $250
Very Good (VG)	$225 - $325
Fine (F)	$275 - $400
Very Fine (VF)	$350 - $500
Extremely Fine (EF)	$450 - $650
About Uncirculated (AU)	$600 - $900
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-62)	$800 - $1,200
Mint State (MS-63)	$1,100 - $1,600
Mint State (MS-64)	$1,500 - $2,500
Mint State (MS-65)	$2,500 - $4,500
Mint State (MS-66+)	$5,000 - $10,000+

Thin Planchet (for comparison)

Grade	Estimated Value
VF	$150 - $250
EF	$200 - $325
MS-63	$400 - $650
MS-65	$1,000 - $2,000

The thick planchet commands a consistent premium of 50-100% over the thin planchet in comparable grades.

Condition Grading

Grading Norse-American Medals follows standard numismatic grading principles, with attention to the specific design elements:

Obverse High Points:

• The Viking ship's hull and mast

• The wave crests beneath the ship

• The lettering, particularly where it crosses design elements

Reverse High Points:

• The Viking figure's helmet and cape

• The figure's outstretched hand

• The ground beneath the kneeling figure

Special Considerations:

• Bag Marks: Many medals were stored in bags or bulk containers, resulting in contact marks. Minimizing bag marks is key to achieving gem grades.

• Strike Quality: The thick planchet variety generally shows better strike quality than the thin, as the additional metal allowed the dies to impress more deeply.

• Luster: Original mint luster should be present on uncirculated examples. Look for frosty, even luster without artificial enhancement.

• Toning: Natural toning from album or envelope storage can enhance eye appeal and value.

Collecting Context

The Norse-American Medal is typically collected in several contexts:

U.S. Commemorative Sets

Many collectors include the Norse-American Medal alongside official U.S. commemorative coins from the early 20th century. While technically not a coin, its congressional authorization and Mint production place it comfortably in this category. Reference guides like the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins) include it in their commemorative listings.

Medal Collecting

Medal specialists collect the Norse-American as part of broader U.S. Mint medal collections, alongside presidential medals, Indian Peace Medals, and other congressionally authorized medals.

Scandinavian-American Heritage

Collectors of Scandinavian-American heritage items pursue the medal as a cultural artifact, often displaying it alongside immigration documents, photographs, and other centennial memorabilia.

Historical Significance

Beyond its numismatic value, the Norse-American Medal represents an important moment in American cultural history. The 1925 centennial celebration was a major event for Norwegian-Americans, featuring parades, exhibitions, speeches (including one by President Calvin Coolidge), and a renewed sense of ethnic pride.

The medal served as both a commemorative souvenir and a fundraising tool for the celebration. Its survival in large numbers suggests that many recipients treasured their medals and preserved them carefully, a testament to the emotional significance of the event.

James Earle Fraser's Design Legacy

Fraser's involvement elevates the Norse-American Medal above many contemporary commemorative pieces. His Buffalo Nickel is one of the most beloved American coin designs, and his skill as a sculptor is evident in the medal's dynamic Viking ship and powerful kneeling figure. Collectors of Fraser's numismatic work pursue the Norse-American alongside the Buffalo Nickel and other Fraser designs.

Investment Outlook

The thick planchet Norse-American Medal offers solid numismatic value:

• Congressional authorization and U.S. Mint production provide legitimacy

• James Earle Fraser design adds artistic and collector appeal

• Lower mintage than the thin variety ensures relative scarcity

• Sterling silver content provides a precious metal value floor

• Active collector base across multiple collecting specialties

Prices have appreciated steadily over the long term, with gem-grade examples (MS-65 and above) showing the strongest performance.

Why the Thick Planchet Norse-American Medal Matters

This medal represents a unique chapter in American numismatic history. It is a congressionally authorized, Mint-produced commemorative that celebrates the contribution of Scandinavian immigrants to the American story. The thick planchet variety offers the collector a more substantial, more scarce, and more impressive version of an already significant piece. For numismatists who appreciate the intersection of history, art, and precious metal, the 1925 Norse-American Medal on thick planchet is a rewarding pursuit.

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