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The 2022 American Liberty Silver Medal featuring the bucking bronco design is a bold and dynamic representation of the evolving vision of liberty in the 21st century. Issued by the United States Mint as part of its ongoing American Liberty series, this medal exemplifies contemporary artistic interpretation, technical excellence, and symbolic richness. Struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, the medal has no monetary denomination and is instead categorized as a numismatic medal. Its high-relief strike and artistic innovation set it apart from typical bullion or commemorative issues, making it a standout piece for modern collectors who appreciate bold, thematic departures from classical depictions of liberty.
The American Liberty series was launched in 2015 with the intention of reimagining the allegorical figure of Liberty beyond the traditional Greco-Roman imagery. The series embraces diversity in both symbolism and artistic representation, offering designs that challenge convention and reflect a broader American identity. Each release features unique and often unexpected interpretations of liberty and freedom, tapping into the spirit of contemporary America while remaining rooted in core national values. The 2022 silver medal continues this tradition, using the image of a wild horse to capture the unrestrained and sometimes chaotic nature of liberty.
The obverse of the 2022 American Liberty Silver Medal is a striking and somewhat jarring departure from traditional motifs. It features a muscular bucking mustang in mid-air, its hooves flailing and posture uncontrollable. The powerful animal is captured in the moment it throws off a western-style saddle, symbolizing the rejection of control and the embrace of unrestrained freedom. There are no inscriptions or dates on the obverse, which allows the artwork to take center stage without textual distraction. Sculptor-designer Phebe Hemphill, whose initials appear discreetly within the design, conveys raw energy and movement through intricate linework and dynamic relief.
The reverse of the medal features a more subtle and serene image—a close-up of an eagle’s head facing left. The eagle, long a symbol of American strength and vigilance, is rendered in fine detail, with sharp lines defining the plumage and a piercing eye conveying alertness. This side of the medal includes the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1 OZ. .999 FINE SILVER,” along with the word “LIBERTY” placed above the eagle. The reverse complements the obverse thematically, balancing the chaos of the bucking bronco with the stoic resolve of the national bird.
The medal was struck at the Philadelphia Mint using high-relief dies to accentuate the depth and three-dimensional quality of the design. Unlike standard coins, high-relief medals require multiple strikes and precise die alignment to produce their sculptural quality. The result is a surface that captures light dramatically, with deep shadows and high points that make the imagery feel almost lifelike. Each medal is struck on a 40.6 mm planchet—comparable in size to a silver American Eagle—allowing ample space for artistic expression while remaining manageable for storage or display.
The mintage for the 2022 American Liberty Silver Medal was limited to 75,000 pieces, a relatively low figure by modern U.S. Mint standards, especially for a release tied to a recurring national series. The medal was offered directly to the public by the U.S. Mint on August 18, 2022, and demand was steady among collectors who have followed the series since its inception. While not a coin and therefore not legal tender, the medal carries the prestige of official U.S. Mint production, as well as the assurance of .999 silver purity and exceptional quality control.
Each medal was sold encapsulated in a hard plastic lens and housed in an elegant black Mint presentation case. A certificate of authenticity was included with each piece, detailing the specifications and confirming its status as a genuine U.S. Mint product. The combination of protective packaging, limited mintage, and striking design ensured that the medal would appeal not only to collectors of modern numismatics but also to those drawn to symbolic art and American identity. The Mint's presentation approach helps preserve the medal’s condition and facilitates its display as a conversation piece.
In terms of condition, most examples of the 2022 American Liberty Silver Medal remain in pristine, uncirculated condition due to the Mint’s careful handling and the medal’s distribution method. Many collectors have since submitted their medals to third-party grading services such as NGC and PCGS, where top-graded examples (typically MS70 or SP70) command modest premiums on the secondary market. The medal’s high-relief strike makes it particularly sensitive to contact marks, so top-condition pieces are prized among perfection-seeking collectors.
Unlike traditional Liberty portrayals that emphasize serenity and control, the 2022 bucking bronco design invites viewers to consider liberty in its most untamed form. It serves as a reminder that freedom is not always polished or peaceful—it can be unruly, disruptive, and even violent. This interpretation resonates with the American frontier spirit, evoking themes of individualism, rebellion, and the right to self-determination. The saddle being tossed aside is especially poignant, symbolizing a conscious rejection of imposed structure or constraint, a visual metaphor that connects to deeper philosophical questions about what liberty truly means in modern society.
The 2022 American Liberty Silver Medal Bucking Bronco edition stands out as one of the most daring and dynamic issues in the U.S. Mint’s modern catalog. With its limited mintage, exceptional craftsmanship, and unconventional interpretation of liberty, it challenges traditional numismatic aesthetics and invites thoughtful engagement. Whether acquired as a standalone artwork, a silver bullion investment, or a key addition to an American Liberty series collection, this medal captures the power and unpredictability of freedom in a uniquely American form.