The medal's obverse bears steam train on double track, running from right to left, nude male figure flying next to it, pointing the way. Around, ONE HUNDRED YEARS / SAFETY STRENGTH SPEED; signed at left, (HS monogram) / ©
The reverse bears early steam engine with operator in centerfield. Under tracks, PETER COOPER'S / "TOM THUMB"; around on raised ring, · THE · BALTIMORE · AND · OHIO · RAILROAD · COMPANY · / 1827 · 1927
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company is the oldest railroad in the United States and the first common carrier railroad, with its first section opening in 1830. It came into being mostly because the city of Baltimore wanted to compete with the newly constructed Erie Canal and another canal being proposed by Pennsylvania.
Philip E. Thomas and George Brown were the pioneers of the railroad. They spent the year 1826 investigating railway enterprises in England, which were at that time being tested in a comprehensive fashion as commercial ventures. Their investigation completed, they held an organizational meeting on February 12, 1827, including about twenty-five citizens, most of whom were Baltimore merchants or bankers, and incorporated in March of 1827.
The circular medal measures 69.6mm and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1926-014