Great Smoky Mountains / Tennessee - State Commemorative Medal/Token
Country of Origin: United States (Private Mint)
Year of Issue: Likely post-2000
Denomination: None (Medal/Token)
Composition: Likely Nickel-Plated Brass or Cupro-Nickel
Brief Description
A private commemorative medal featuring Great Smoky Mountains on one side and Tennessee state symbols on the other.
Historical Significance
This is not legal tender but a private souvenir token or medal celebrating Tennessee's heritage, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the state's musical history. It mimics the style of the US Mint's state quarter program.
Estimated Value
$1 - $5 USD as a souvenir item
Care Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning with abrasive chemicals as this can remove the plating. Handling by the edges is recommended to prevent fingerprints.
Mint Mark
None visible; typically produced by private mints like Sunshine Minting or similar vendors.
Mintage & Rarity
Unknown, but generally mass-produced for gift shops and tourist locations. Common.
Weight & Diameter
Specifications vary by manufacturer, but typically approximately 30-39mm in diameter.
Edge
Plain or Reeded (not clearly visible)
Apparent Grade
About Uncirculated / Mint State (appears to have original luster with minor contact marks)
Obverse (Front)
Features a large Black Bear walking in a forest setting with the words 'GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS' arched across the top.
Reverse (Back)
Shows symbols of Tennessee: more musical notes, a fiddle and banjo, a riverboat on water, a figure in a coonskin cap (likely Davy Crockett), the state outline, and the text 'THE VOLUNTEER STATE', '1796', and 'TENNESSEE'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Value is primarily driven by its appeal as a souvenir; it lacks numismatic value from a government mint.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 2002 Tennessee State Quarter or the 2014 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Quarter.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
This item is not a counterfeit of a US coin because it does not feature a denomination (e.g., 'Quarter Dollar'). It is a legal exonumia item.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No widely recognized varieties exist for this specific private token.
Created At: 2026-06-25T03:56:14.512270