The Confederation Medal 🇨🇦

PhilArnold

Hi all. Here’s a choice NEWP for my type collection. I had been focusing on coinage, but some Canadian medals do have a place. Certainly the 1939 Royal Visit medals are popular with Canadian numismatists. But somewhat overlooked is something quite stunning, and quite important. This medal was Canada’s first official honour. It was made to commemorate birth of the Dominion of Canada on July 1st 1867. These medals were given to VIPs, including the Fathers of Confederation such as John A MacDonald who officially requested their production. 50 silver medals were struck, 500 bronze, and only one gold which was given to Queen Victoria (whereabouts unknown).

The medal, prepared by J.S. and A.B. Wyon, depicts Britannia, lion purring in her lap, handing off a scroll with the word CONFEDERATION inscribed. She hands it to four allegorical depictions of the first four provinces. Ontario, with her sickle, representing agriculture. Quebec, with fleur-de-lys on her shoulder, holds a paddle. The fur trade was Canada’s first industry, thus this allegory represents commerce. Nova Scotia holds her shovel for her mineral wealth. New Brunswick holds her axe representing her timber industry. The Reverse has the inscription “JUVENTAS ET PATRIUS VIGOR/ CANADA INSTAURATA 1867” meaning ‘Youth and patriotic strength/ Canada inaugurated 1867.’

This particular bronze example is quite pristine. Scarcely any marks or friction can be seen. No unsightly spots. This medal also comes in its original box. I’m told by the dealer, Jacob Lipson of Ottawa, that this had been in the same Montreal family for generations.

Shown is the medal in its box, and two sets of images: Its reflective original surfaces, and its glossy chocolate appearance.

Leroux# 1191, BHM# 2875, Eimer# 1590, Fearon# 318.1

Bob13

Wow - that is impressive! How big is it? Your pictures are fantastic (as always).

PhilArnold

@Bob13 said:
Wow - that is impressive! How big is it? Your pictures are fantastic (as always).

Thanks. It’s 3” in diameter. It’s a big medal!

There’s some extensive information about the medal on this Government of Canada website:

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/medals/1867-confederation-medal.html

Greenstang

Really like those deep relief medals, they show so much detail

Exbrit

The whole Wyon family was talented, but this is one of the better efforts from the younger Wyons that I have seen. Very nice and in amazing condition.

1960NYGiants

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!
I have the 2017 restrike version issued for Canada 150.

PhilArnold

The only flaw I can see is that there's a touch of green in Britannia's armpit. I showed it to our chief numismatist and he doesn't seem to think it's anything to be too concerned about. Looks pretty inert. Still, I plan to get this in a PCGS slab ASAP.

coinkat

Exceptional medal- Just a few possible suggestions to consider:

-Take a good look at the armpit under magnification as in either a 15x to 21x loupe or consider a microscope to get the best look before grading/encapsulation. And that might help with your comfort level to determine whether or not anything further might help.

-You might be able to remove the green with either a Q-tip or a toothpick. I would start with the Q-tip. The tip of the toothpick can be modified with a razor blade as that might help create better contact to complete the possible removal of what is present.

PhilArnold

@coinkat said:
Exceptional medal- Just a few possible suggestions to consider:

-Take a good look at the armpit under magnification as in either a 15x to 21x loupe or consider a microscope to get the best look before grading/encapsulation. And that might help with your comfort level to determine whether or not anything further might help.

-You might be able to remove the green with either a Q-tip or a toothpick. I would start with the Q-tip. The tip of the toothpick can be modified with a razor blade as that might help create better contact to complete the possible removal of what is present.

I shaved down a chopstick. It worked like a charm! The green came right out.

coinkat

Excellent... Good to see the positive outcome