Cyrus Alexander – 2 oz Silver Medallion

Vintner’s Mint celebrates “All Things Wine” with a medallion honoring Alexander Valley and the man whose name it bears. The first release in its wine-region series combines a portrait of Cyrus Alexander with the vineyards, hills, and geography of Sonoma County. Struck in 2 troy ounces of .999 fine silver, this 50mm medallion has a limited mintage of 5,000 pieces.

From Rancho Sotoyome to Wine Country

Cyrus Alexander arrived in the valley in 1840 and became involved with Henry Fitch in the development of Rancho Sotoyome, a Mexican-era land grant. His work managing the ranch led to his own substantial holding, and he became an early grower of grapevines in the area. The portrait commemorates that chapter in the valley’s agricultural history rather than the beginning of human settlement there.

The landscape did not become a sea of vineyards overnight. Grapes shared the valley with other crops, and prunes and apples later became important parts of its economy. During the 1960s and 1970s, renewed planting and attention to Cabernet Sauvignon helped shape the region’s modern wine identity.

Alexander Valley’s recognition as an American Viticultural Area in 1984 supplies the milestone recorded on the reverse. The medallion connects an individual name with a defined wine-growing place, making its map as central to the story as its portrait.

Obverse Design

A front-facing portrait of Cyrus Alexander fills the foreground, with his name arching above. Rolling hills and orderly vineyard rows extend behind his shoulders, linking the historical figure to the landscape that carries his name. A beaded border encloses the composition, while the broad silver surface gives the portrait and countryside room to stand apart.

Reverse Design

A relief map of Sonoma County highlights Alexander Valley against a field of fine radiating lines. “SONOMA COUNTY” and “ALEXANDER VALLEY” occupy the outer ring, separated by two five-pointed stars. The inner inscriptions record “GRANTED AVA STATUS IN 1984,” the silver weight and purity, and “LIMITED MINTAGE.” Together, the map and lettering turn the reverse into a compact geographical tribute.

Specifications

• Weight: 2 troy ounces
• Purity: .999 fine silver
• Diameter: 50mm
• Thickness: 3.60mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
• Limited mintage: 5,000 pieces

Explore more commemorative designs in our silver round collection.