Holland Society Medal

1904

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Bronze

Overall: 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm)

824

This medal is an updated replica of the 1782 Dutch medal hailing John Adams' arrival as U.S. envoy. It was struck by Bailey, Banks and Biddle of Philadelphia. The Holland Society of New York is composed of direct descendants in the male line of first Dutch settlers who lived in American colonies under Dutch rule before or during 1675. Founded in 1885 as a fraternal organization, the Holland Society has grown into a nation-wide membership with its headquarters and library in New York City. The Holland Society collects books and records pertaining to the lives of Dutch families who settled in the Dutch colonial territory before 1675.

DescriptionBronze struck medal with obverse showing allegorical female figures of Liberty and Native American, shaking hands, with pedestal decorated with caduseus and cornucopia at center; surrounding legend: "MEDAL STRUCK BY THE UNITED PROVINCES OF THE NETHERLANDS 1782 IN HONOR OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE/LIBERA SOROR."; in exergue: "SOLEMNI.DECK.AGN./19 APR.MDCCLXXXII." Reverse depicts unicorn in rocky landscape, with its horn broken; legend: "PRESENTED BY THE HOLLAND SOCIETY OF NEW YORK JANUARY 1904/TYRANNIS VIRTUTE REPULSA"; in exergue: "SUB GALLIAE/AUSPICIIS."

MarkingsInscription: reverse, below exergual line, at left: "B.B. & B.C. PHILADELPHIA"

ClassificationsMEDALS