NNP

National Identification.  Lettering on a diestruck item that identifies the country of origin. Coins do not require such identification since they usually bear the country’s name or national emblem (and circulate within that country). However, medals and tokens which are struck in one country for use in another are sometimes required by the recipient country to identify where they were made. The term “made in” must appear on every item with the country name. Made in America, or Made in U.S.A., or Made in France, or Made in England are some terms that have been observed on numismatic items to meet this legal requirement. Those made in Italy bear only the name “Italy.”

Medals of the Columbian Exposition (World’s Fair of 1892-93) display a variety of national identification lettering. This was so because so many medals were made in native countries for distribution at the Chicago Expo. The most advanced nations observed this legal requirement, perhaps, were even glad to do so for their nation’s exposure. Other examples of American manufactures for use elsewhere: Schwaab Stamp & Seal Company of Milwaukee marked Made in America on items for use in Canada.

Reference:                                                                                                                       

xx {1998} Willey, p 115.

excerpted with permission from

An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON