1973 London Bridge Opening Sterling Silver-Gilt Medal – Corporation of London, No. 675 of 2,250

This hallmarked sterling silver-gilt medal was issued by the Corporation of London when Queen Elizabeth II opened the new London Bridge on Friday, 16 March 1973. It's No. 675 of a limited issue of 2,250, confirmed by the numbered Certificate of Origin and Limited Issue that comes with it.

One side shows the new bridge over the Thames with the details of the opening ceremony. The other carries the arms of the Corporation of the City of London. The medal sits in its original case from Toye, Kenning & Spencer, the London firm that made it.

Collector Specifications

• Country: United Kingdom
• Year: 1973
• Denomination: Medal (no face value)
• Composition: Hallmarked sterling silver (0.925), gilt
• Weight: About 1.7 troy oz (auction record; to be confirmed on scale)
• Diameter: 51 mm
• Finish: Silver-gilt, naturally toned
• Certificate: Numbered Certificate of Origin and Limited Issue (No. 675)
• Packaging: Coin case (Good condition)
• Condition: Strong multicolour toning; original Toye, Kenning & Spencer case and numbered certificate No. 675 (creased). Individually photographed — you receive the exact medal shown
• Mintage: Limited issue of 2,250 medals
• Designer: Michael Rizzello, for Toye, Kenning & Spencer Ltd

Historical Significance

The 1973 London Bridge replaced the 19th-century granite bridge, which was sold and famously rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The Queen opened the new bridge in the presence of the Lord Mayor, the Lord Mais.

The medal was designed by Michael Rizzello for Toye, Kenning & Spencer, a long-established London maker of insignia and medals.

Why We Love This One

The toning on this one is something else: deep blues and golds over the bridge scene. With a low numbered issue and its original case and certificate, it's a great piece of London history.

Please note: this item is sold as is, including its packaging. The photos show the exact piece you will receive.