Gaspee Days
Committee History
FilesGaspee Commemorative
Coins
& Medallions
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 Franklin Mint 1972This is a
suprisingly large and heavy coin produced the Franklin Mint in 1972 as
one of a
set of 50
pewter medals commemorating
the History of Colonial America. This particular coin is issue #43 and
portrays the burning
of the British ship Gaspee in resistance to British
oppression. Inscription on reverse reads:
The Bicentennial Council of the
Thirteen
Original States The burning of the British Side: THE OFFICIAL HISTORY OF COLONIAL AMERICA FINE PEWTER |
 Townshend Act
Silver coin,
assumably part of a series by an
unknown
mint. The detailed engraving portrays the Burning of the Gaspee. "As a
result of the prolonged Townshend Acts Riots, angry colonists burn the
British HMS Gaspee". 1.25 inches in diameter and hallmarked with reeded
edge. Minted in the 1970's. While, historically, the burning of the
Gaspee
in 1772 was much removed from a reaction to the Townshend Acts of 1767,
we'll enjoy the artwork.
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    Gaspee Days
Committee 1972
The Gaspee Commemorative Coin was designed by Donald J. Breig, a Pawtuxet die cutter at the request of the Gaspee Days Committee. The obverse features the silhouette of the Gaspee surrounded by thirteen stars. The reverse shows the Independent Man and the legend, 'First Blow for Freedom'. On March 16, 1972, at Breig's die shop, 5 Aborn Street, Cranston, the Gaspee Day Bicentennial Commemorative Coin was struck. 1772 silver coins were made and sold for $10 each, and an unlimited number of copper coins were sold for $3 each. The first silver coin was delivered to Governor Frank Licht, accompanied by Cranston Mayor James L. Tait and Warwick Mayor Philip Noel. Another silver coin was hand delivered to President Richard Nixon in Washington for inclusion in the Smithsonian Institution. The dies for the coins were destroyed on December 31, 1972. Coin is silver or copper and is about the size of a US quarter |
    Rhode Island Historical Society 1972
Beautiful and
impressive Bronze and Silver "
Burning of
the Gaspee " Commemorative marking the 200th anniversary of the
historic
event. Measuring 1.5 inches in diameter, the
obverse
shows a
detailed artistic rendition of the burning Gaspee. Reverse shows the
seal
of the RI Historical Society. Minted in 1972 by the Franklin Mint, its
population is limited
to only 1104. Both medallions are the same size, though the photos have
different image sizes.
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 Royal Mint 1976
Sterling silver
medal (1 troy ounce) struck
by the Royal
Mint of Great Britain for the American Express Company as "Freedom
Medals"
for the American Bicentennial of the Revolutionary War. Each is proof
finished
and about 1.5 inches across. This medal depicts the Gaspee in flames
and
includes appropriate words by Samuel Adams in 1771: "The liberties of
our country, the freedom of our constitution, are worth defending at
all hazards."
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  Historic Mint of Long Island Discovered on eBay, 2011, Solid Sterling Silver 39 mm, apparently produced by the Historic Mint of Long Island, Ltd. as part of a series entitled "The Age of the American Revolution. Sculpted by Harry Rosin. This example is No. 00058 of the run as stamped on the edge. |
  DAR, Gaspee Chapter
Regent Pin, Providence, RI,
1913. From an estate sale found on eBay
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 Miller
1978 Gaspee Pendant and EarringsThe Gaspee Day Committee commissioned Pawtuxet designer C. L. Miller to create appropriate commemorative gifts for our annual activities. Earring set (b), clutch pin (c), tie-tack (d), and larger pendant (a) were available in satin finished pewter, and were exclusively sold by the Gaspee Days Committee in 1978 |
 Bicentennial Masonic Mug Metallic DecalThis small emblem was used on some commemorative items sold to members of the Rhode Island Masons in 1976. |
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