Erie Canal Celebration Medal

1826

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

White metal

Overall (diameter): 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)

X.116

This medal celebrates the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 after eight years of construction, a project that would spur development of the port of New York City in years to come. The Erie Canal spanned 363 miles across New York state, connecting the Great Lakes with the Hudson River.

DescriptionWhite metal struck medal with obverse depicting Pan and Neptune, with legend: "UNION OF ERIE WITH THE ATLANTIC." Reverse depicts eagle perched upon world globe over shield with scroll inscribed "EXCELSIOR" below; legend: "ERIE CANAL COMM. 4 JULY 1817 COMP. 26 OCT. 1825"; inscription in exergue: "1826/PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF NEW YORK."

MarkingsInscription: obverse, in exergue, at left: "R.DEL." Inscription: obverse, in exergue, at right: "W. SC" Inscription: reverse, in exergue, at center: "C.C.WRIGHT SC."

ClassificationsMEDALS