The Boston Numismatic Society

Description

The obverse bears bust of pilgrim, left. Around, PLYMOUTH TERCENTENARY; to left and right of bust, 1620 - 1920; signed below date on right, KILENYI

The reverse bears the seals of the Boston Numismatic Society and the town of Plymouth separated by a burning torch; wreath of laurel (left) and oak (right) tied at bottom behind seals. Around top, SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY; in upper center, BOSTON / NUMISMATIC / SOCIETY

The Boston Numismatic Society was founded in 1860 and celebrated its sixtieth anniversary by issuing this medal. Plymouth, or as it was historically known, Plimoth, was the site chosen for the colony founded by the passengers of the Mayflower. Today, a wonderful living history museum called Plimoth Plantation allows visitors of all ages to experience life in 1627 from the perspectives of both the settlers and the Native Americans.

The circular medal measures 62.8mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by Whitehead and Hoag of Newark, New Jersey. A mintage of 300 pieces in bronze is reported.

Medal Details

This section contains a table of detailed medal information. Currently, I am not aware of any variants of this medal. Please notify me if you come across any or if you find incorrect or missing information.

material	Bronze
edge6	WHITEHEAD-HOAG
diameter	62.8mm
mintage	300 reported

Last modified: Oct 26, 2017 16:46

Description

The medal's obverse bears multi-line inscription, 1860 - 1945 / BOSTON / NUMISMATIC / SOCIETY / 85TH ANNIVERSARY; signed (?) at bottom, HS

The medal's reverse bears Society's seal on bottom. Above, SHEPARD POND / 1889-1945 / IN MEMORIAM

Shepard Pond (1889-1945) first became the Boston Numismatic Society's Secreatary in 1924 and quickly traversed the available leadership positions until he was elected President in 1938. He also served as ANA governor for several years. His transformative leadership brought about the New England Numismatic Association (NENA) and the first election of a woman to a leadership position.

The medal itself is not particularly inspired. Absent a wealthy sponsor, regional numismatic societies rarely had the means to hire famous artists for commemorative medals and 1945 was not exactly an easy year in world history.

The circular medal measures 44.4mm in diameter and was struck in bronze. No mintage is reported.

Medal Details

material	Bronze
edge6
diameter	44.4mm
weight	29.4g
mintage	unknown

Last modified: Dec 21, 2017 15:14