After looking for almost 30 years, I find a rare medal

I was born and raised in Delaware. Most U.S. collectors are familar with the Delaware commemorative half dollar. I have owned four of them over the years, and still have three. Each of three has something I like about them, which the others don't have.



Most collectors are not aware that the Delaware Tercentenary Commission and the Swedish Government issued other items as well. The Sweds issued a 2 kronor piece and medals in bronze and silver. The Delaware Commission issued a small medal, which is now included with the So-Called-Dollars and a 70 mm medal in bronze and silver. All of the medals were struck by the Medalic Art Company.

Here is part of the page from the event program which advertised the commemorative half dollar and the medals. You will note that the finished half dollar did not look exactly like the model that is in this picture.



Believe it or not, I bought the "small copy of the bronze medal" for 50 cents at the John Dickenson Mansion giftshop when I was on my 5th grade field trip in 1960. I acquired the 70 mm bronze medal more than 35 years later. That left the large silver medal.

A collector, who was known as "Mr. Delaware" told me that the large silver medal is quite scarce. The only example he knew of had been awarded to the King of Sweden was was imparied. In 1838, the $7.50 price tag was steep. It was more than a day's wages for most people. I kept look looking for the medal, but didn't figure I'd find one.

Recently two popped up in a StacksBowers auction. One was impaired, but the other was quite nice. I was able to buy it so the 30+ year search for it is over. The piece contains about 5.5. ounces of .999 silver.



Have you found any "white whales" recently? Perhaps you might like to see more of the 1938 Delaware collectables. It would fun to exchange notes.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Yeah that's a beauty and a nice heavy chunck of silver at 5.5. ounces! A true rarity!

 

cool collection . . .