Medal commemorates 150 years for W. Va.

The Bronze Look in Princeton, W. Va., has created its first limited edition commemorative silver proof medal. Working with Northwest Territorial Mint in Dayton, Nev., the medal is a commemorative of West Virginia’s 150th anniversary of statehood.

The designs are a collaborative effort between The Bronze Look graphic design team and Northwest Territorial Mint’s engravers.
“The sesquicentennial of the state of West Virginia is a historical milestone that unites all of the proud people of West Virginia,” said Ross Hansen, CEO of Northwest Territorial Mint. “This coin celebrates the rich culture and proud heritage which brings to life the state’s motto, ‘Mountaineers Are Always Free.’ We are proud to have been selected to produce this masterpiece, and I’m certain this coin will be treasured by West Virginians for years to come.”

The coin features The Bronze Look’s logo on the obverse surrounded by seven sets of five stars each circling the rim of the coin. The 35 stars denote West Virginia as the 35th state to join the Union. In addition, the obverse bears the legend, “Spreading the Joy of West Virginia’s Sesquicentennial,” the number 150, and the dates, 1863-2013.

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The reverse of the coin features mountains, representing the Mountain State, the state motto, Montani Semper Liberi, a black bear (the state animal) and a rhododendron (the state flower). Also featured on the reverse is a cluster of three crosses.
Similar clusters are common sights throughout West Virginia, and across 28 other states, an effort spearheaded by a West Virginia native. Only 1,863 coins will be struck and will be offered in a blue leatherette display with a plastic air-tight case for a price of $69.

This is the first of a planned series of medals celebrating the state. Further coins will spotlight the coal industry, railroad industry, state’s civil war heritage and other historical and economic bases of the state. The coins are expected to be released over the next 12 months.

The medals may be ordered at thebronzelook.com.