The obverse bears a large bust of John Endecott, facing right. Above, JOHN ENDECOTT; across, MASSACHU - SETTS BAY / TERCEN - TENARY; below 1588 (flower) 1665. The reverse bears the image of the famous Endecott pear tree. Above, GOVERNOR'S GARDEN; accross, SA - L - EM / 16 - 30 / ORCHARD - FARM / 16 - 32; signed LGF below.
John Endecott was born in 1588 in Chagford, England. He was an English colonial magistrate, soldier and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. During all of his years in the colony but one, he held some form of civil, judicial, or military high office. He died in Boston on March 15, 1665. The tree on the medal's reverse refers to the Endecott Pear Tree in Danvers, Massachusetts. John Endecott planted the tree in 1633 and it is alive and bears fruit to this day.
Approximately 200 of these large, 100mm diameter bronze medals were struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York.
References: MACo 1930-026, Marqusee 171