The medal's obverse bears the university's coat of arms. Above and below, UNIVERSITY / OF / PENNSYLVANIA; to left and right, 1740 - 1940; in streamer across, LEGES - SINE MORIBUS - VANAE
The reverse bears a herm crowned by wo heads, oil lamp to left, light bulb on right. On both sides, TEMP- / ORIS LUX - ILLUSTRET / ACTI - POSTERITATIS / VIAM; in exergue, © / (RTM monogram) / 1938
R. Tait McKenzie designed this medal before his death in 1938. The dies were created in 1939 and used to commemorate a 1940 event celebrating the 200th anniversary of the university.
The circular medal was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1939-004