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The 2020 Mayflower 400th Anniversary Silver Reverse Proof Medal commemorates one of the most pivotal moments in early American history: the 1620 voyage of the Mayflower, which brought English Pilgrims across the Atlantic to establish Plymouth Colony in what would become the United States. This .999 fine silver medal was issued by the United States Mint as part of a joint transatlantic program honoring the 400th anniversary of this seminal journey. Distinguished by its reverse proof finish, limited mintage, and finely executed design, the medal pays tribute to the courage, faith, and determination of the early settlers whose legacy shaped the founding ideals of a nation.
The medal was struck in 2020, exactly four centuries after the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England. The voyage carried 102 passengers seeking religious freedom and a new life in the New World, along with a crew of about 30. After a harrowing 66-day journey across the Atlantic, the ship landed at Cape Cod in November of 1620. Though not originally intended, the location of their arrival prompted the drafting of the Mayflower Compact—a landmark document in early democratic governance. The 400th anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on this foundational moment, and the U.S. Mint issued this silver medal as a non-circulating, collector-focused tribute to that legacy.
The obverse of the medal was designed by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer Chris Costello and sculpted by Chief Engraver Joseph Menna. It features a dramatic depiction of the Mayflower under full sail as it traverses the stormy Atlantic Ocean. The design captures the movement and danger of the voyage with billowing sails, high waves, and a strong wind filling the rigging. The image is both heroic and realistic, presenting the ship not as a static icon, but as a vessel of bravery and resolve. The inscriptions read “MAYFLOWER COMPACT 1620” and “A CIVIL BODY POLITICK,” referencing the pilgrims' historic agreement to form a self-governing community.
The reverse, also designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Medallic Artist Renata Gordon, showcases the arrival of the Pilgrims and their first sight of the New World. The image presents a group of Pilgrims—men, women, and children—disembarking and setting foot on rocky American shores. Their expressions are solemn and determined, a reflection of both the gravity of their voyage and their hope for a better life. The composition includes a view of the coastline, symbolic of the land they would cultivate and the freedom they would nurture. The design conveys themes of resilience, aspiration, and communal strength, central to the American story.
Unlike bullion coins or regular proof coinage, this medal features a reverse proof finish. In reverse proof, the devices are rendered in mirror-like brilliance, while the fields exhibit a frosted matte texture—opposite the treatment used in traditional proof finishes. This contrast lends a stunning visual quality to the medal, enhancing the fine details of the ship, waves, and figures. The process requires specialized dies and careful handling, underscoring the limited and premium nature of the release. Each medal was struck with exceptional care at the Philadelphia Mint, although no mintmark appears on the piece, as is customary for medals.
The 2020 Mayflower Silver Reverse Proof Medal was part of a broader commemorative program that included gold coins and collaborative releases with the Royal Mint of the United Kingdom. The U.S. Mint’s solo issue of the reverse proof silver medal was limited to a mintage of just 20,000 pieces. It was sold individually and quickly sold out due to strong demand from collectors, history enthusiasts, and those commemorating family connections to the Pilgrims. The medal's low mintage, distinctive finish, and powerful historical theme have made it a modern collectible with enduring appeal in the U.S. Mint catalog.
Each medal contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, giving it intrinsic bullion value in addition to its numismatic worth. With a diameter of 38.1 mm, the piece is substantial in hand and comparable in size to an American Silver Eagle. The weight, purity, and craftsmanship meet the high standards collectors have come to expect from modern U.S. Mint products. While it does not carry a legal tender denomination, it holds a distinct place in the field of U.S. Mint medals, standing alongside other important issues such as the World War I Centennial and 9/11 National Medal series.
Medals graded by PCGS or NGC often receive PF69 or PF70 designations when in pristine condition. Those in original government packaging are typically housed in a navy blue presentation case with a certificate of authenticity, further enhancing their appeal as display items or meaningful gifts. The original packaging emphasizes the ceremonial nature of the piece, connecting the recipient to a specific moment in American heritage. For those seeking perfect specimens, certified PF70 examples command premiums, particularly when paired with special labels commemorating the 400th anniversary or featuring designer autographs.
The Mayflower 400th Anniversary Silver Medal fits within a long tradition of U.S. commemoratives that memorialize turning points in national history. From the 1892 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar to the 2026 Semiquincentennial series, such pieces are numismatic time capsules. The 2020 medal contributes to this legacy by highlighting the foundational values of community, freedom, and self-governance established by the Mayflower Compact and sustained through centuries of American development. It invites reflection on both the hardships and aspirations that shaped the nation’s identity.
Whether added to a collection of historical medals, given as a symbolic gift, or preserved for future generations, the 2020 Mayflower 400th Anniversary Silver Reverse Proof Medal carries with it a story of epic journey, human resolve, and national beginnings. As a low-mintage, high-quality release with exceptional design and reverse proof execution, it offers not just a physical keepsake, but a connection to the enduring spirit of those who helped lay the moral and democratic foundation for the United States. For both collectors and patriots, it is a fitting tribute cast in precious metal and historical meaning.