This spectacular silver medal was specially designed and produced by the U.S. Mint to commemorate Benjamin Franklin’s contributions to the American Fire Service, and to recognize the achievements of America’s firemen. Authorized by an Act of Congress and signed into public law by the President in 1992, it is the only silver medal ever produced by the U.S. Mint that was not part of a series. Its appeal as a collectible greatly increased after 9/11, which focused the public eye on the unselfish heroism of firefighters everywhere.
Benjamin Franklin was devoted to the idea of selfless public service, and to aiding his fellow man.It was in this spirit that he came up with so many of his helpful inventions, such as the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. He also established the first public lending library, and in 1736 organized the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia. It was the first volunteer fire department inAmerica, and became a model for fire companies in other cities. Early American volunteer firefighters included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, Alexander Hamilton, and of course Ben Franklin
The 1992 Firefighters medal contains one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver and was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. On the obverse is a portrait of Franklin and an original Union Fire Company hat, whilethe reverse depicts a firefighter rescuing a child. The medal is handsomely mounted in its original wine-colored U.S. Mint presentation case.

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