Circle of Friends of the Medallion

This medal was the first issue of the prestigious Circle of Friends of the Medallion series in 1909. The obverse bears conjoined busts of Henry Hudson in ruff and Robert Fulton in nineteeth-century civil dress. Around, HENRY HUDSON * ROBERT FULTON; in right field, signed J F / (acanthus ornament) / MCMIX

The reverse bears Hudson River with Halve Maene and North River Steamboat sailing past modern skyline; nymph reclining on cloud holds glowing lightbulb. Above, dates MDCIX * MDCCCVII; below, MCMIX

The Hudson-Fulton celebration was a regionally significant event that left a multitude of coins, medals, posters and other memorabilia in its wake. It celebrated the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River and the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton's first successful commercial application of the paddleboat steamer.

The medal measures 70mm in diameter and was struck by Davidson of Philadelphia.

References:   CoF 1, Marqusee 141

The medal's obverse bears a family scene consisting of father with maiden on his knee and mother holding an infant son in her lap. Above, small I.K.1910 followed by larger "FELICITAS DOMI FOCIQVE"

The reverse bears female in flowing chiton holding a branch, blessing a humble cottage. Above, "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME"; signed "I KONTI SC"

In the accompanying book de Kay referred to the scene as

"a father telling some tale to the eager maiden who leans against his knee, the mother listening as she contemplates the little son in her lap..."

He further commented:

"In all ages the family as a unit of happiness and harmony has had its enemies, chiefly men and women who have made a failure of their own domestic lives. But at present the attacks are more hidden and herefore more insidious than ever before... the rage for movement and travel adds to a widespread discontent with the uneventful calm of the home. Massing of populations in towns makes domestic life difficult, while general unrest and dissatisfaction continue to increase, along with a wealth of comforts and luxuries unknown before."

He was also deeply troubled by the women's suffrage movement and the challenge it posed to the "relative position of the sexes" but concluded:

"Members of the Circle who hold one opinion or another will be likely to agree that family affection and the love of the home are worthy of a medal in the projected series."

The circular medallion measures 70mm in diameter and was struck both by the nascent Medallic Art Company and Jos. K. Davidson of Philadelphia. No mintages are reported.

References:   Baxter 307, CoF 2, Marqusee 231

References:   CoF 3, Marqusee 291

References:   Baxter 140, CoF 4, Marqusee 70

The obverse bears a bust l. of Lafayette in Garde Nationale uniform. Legend below, MARIE JOSEPH PAVL / YVES ROCHE GILBERT DVMOTIER / MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE / MAJOR GENERAL IN THE SERVICE OF / THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / AND NOBLEST PATRIOT OF THE / FRENCH REVOLTION; signed J E ROINE.

The reverse bears Liberty advancing with sword, falgsm eagle, 1776 on rising sun, 1789 in clouds. Dedication below, AD PERPETVAM REI / MEMORIAM / MCMXI (for the everlasting memory of the events); signed J E ROINE.

This medal was the fifth issue in the Circle of Friends of the Medallion series. It measures 47mm x 77mm and was produced by the J.K. Davison Company of Philadelphia. Its mintage is probably known... but unfortunately not to the author of this page.

References:   Baxter 303, CoF 5, Marqusee 335

References:   CoF 6, Marqusee 115

References:   CoF 7

References:   CoF 8, Marqusee 293

References:   CoF 9, Marqusee 327