The Kings and Queens of England Sterling Silver Medal Collection by Franklin Mint
Coin/Bullion (Commemorative Medallic Art) · The Franklin Mint, established in 1964 by Joseph Segel in Pennsylvania, USA. Renowned in the 1970s and 80s for high-quality private minting of sterling silver proof sets and collectibles.
Pattern: Kings and Queens of England Medal Set; 1970 introduction; retired limited edition.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Commemorative Medallic Art)
Maker
The Franklin Mint, established in 1964 by Joseph Segel in Pennsylvania, USA. Renowned in the 1970s and 80s for high-quality private minting of sterling silver proof sets and collectibles.
Material
Solid Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Each medal typically contains approximately 25-31 grams of sterling silver (roughly 1 troy ounce), though some subsets vary slightly.
Dimensions
Medals are approximately 45mm in diameter. The full collection usually consists of 43 to 45 medals (depending on the specific set edition) housed in a rectangular wood and glass case.
Description
A prestigious numismatic set commemorating the lineage of the English monarchy from the early kings through modern rulers. Each sterling silver medal is a work of medallic art, showcasing detailed portraits and historical typography. This collection was marketed through subscriptions and remains a staple of 'silver stacker' and historical enthusiast collections, appreciated for its high silver purity and classical aesthetic.
Key Features
Portrait-style obverse; Proof-quality frosted finish; consistent .925 sterling silver content throughout the entire set; original red presentation case and historical documentation booklets.
Material & Composition
Solid Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Each medal typically contains approximately 25-31 grams of sterling silver (roughly 1 troy ounce), though some subsets vary slightly.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief frosted proof finish. Features a matte, sandblasted relief (portrait) against a mirror-polished field. Obverse depicts English monarchs (e.g., Henry VII, Charles I, George II) with their reign dates; reverse typically features heraldic symbols or historical milestones.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Each medal's edge is stamped with the Franklin Mint hallmark (an 'f' in a box), the word 'STERLING', and often a year stamp of production. Certificate of Authenticity (COA) included in the display and paperwork.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck using heavy industrial presses. These are non-circulating medals struck with a 'Proof' technique, meaning each die was polished, and the blanks were double-struck for maximum detail and clarity.
Functional Features
Housed in a custom wooden presentation case with a red velvet-flocked interior tray. The case features a clear glass/acrylic lid for display and individual recessed slots for each monarch's medal.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (medals are designed for display and numismatic handling).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured with meticulous quality control. The proof finishing is remarkably consistent, with crisp edges and high-definition facial details that exceed the standards of contemporary circulating coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Clear Franklin Mint edge stamps; characteristic 'f' logo; presence of the original Certificate of Authenticity (as seen in the additional photos); correct font styles for the era's FM issues.
Origin & Manufacturing
Wawa, Pennsylvania, USA. Manufactured at the Franklin Mint factory and workshop, which was the largest private mint in the world at the time.
Era & Period
Modernist Commemorative Era (late 20th century). While the subjects are historical, the design language and production technology are firmly set in the 1970-1976 window of American private minting.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1975 based on the Franklin Mint product catalog and the characteristic red display binders and certificates shown in the auction photographs.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 1970s boom in collectible medallic art and a reflection of the enduring American fascinations with British royal history.
Condition Notes
Excellent overall condition. The medals shows a light, attractive rainbow toning (patina) on the lower examples, likely due to long-term contact with the velvet liner. The wooden case displays some minor wear from storage. Grades as 'Excellent' (circulated within original packaging only).
Value Estimate
$1,000 - $1,600 USD (Value is heavily tied to the spot price of silver. Each full set contains approximately 40+ troy ounces of actual silver, making the melt value the floor price).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid cleaning or polishing the proof surfaces as it destroys numismatic value; handle with cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing dark spots; store in a dry environment with the included anti-tarnish paper or a silica packet.
Similar Pieces
The Royal Mint's 'Monarchs of Great Britain' sets (official UK issue); Danbury Mint 'Kings and Queens' series (tends to have different weight and diameter).
Interesting Facts
The Franklin Mint's success with this series helped fuel a massive 'silver rush' in the collector market during the 1970s. These sets were often sold as 'hedges against inflation' when silver prices spiked in the late 1970s.