The Cyrus McCormick bronze medal is a commemorative piece struck in 1931 to celebrate the centennial of McCormick’s invention of the mechanical reaper, an agricultural breakthrough that transformed farming. Sponsored by the International Harvester Company, the medal was issued in honor of both McCormick’s invention and the progress made over the following century.

The most well-known version is the “McCormick Reaper Centennial Medal” cataloged as HK-460 in the So-Called Dollar series. It measures about 34 mm in diameter and features a portrait of Cyrus Hall McCormick on the obverse with the inscription “Cyrus Hall McCormick 1809-1884 Inventor of the Reaper.” The reverse shows a depiction of the reaper, a horse, and rider with the legend “International Harvester Company Centennial of the Reaper 1831-1931.” Other medals, like the Franklin Mint’s proof bronze issue, may measure up to 45 mm and highlight the 1834 patent, but the centennial piece is the most recognized.

These medals were intended as souvenirs and collectibles. While over a million were produced, careful preservation and their link to one of America’s great inventors makes them sought after by exonumia collectors and agricultural historians. Varieties include bronze, as well as some in other finishes and sizes, including watch fobs and presentation pieces.

In summary, the Cyrus McCormick bronze medal is a historic commemorative, featuring classic imagery and celebrating a century of agricultural innovation through a well-crafted and widely collected piece.