It's Delaware Day!

BillJones

To most Americans December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day, but to those of us who live or once lived for in the Diamond State during our formative years, this is Delaware Day. On December 7, 1787 Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution. The Federal Government recognized that fact when Delaware was recognized on the first state quarters.

Back in 1938 Delaware recognized its 300th anniversary with a celebration on June 27 of that year. Most collectors are familiar with the commemorative half dollar, but other pieces were issued as well. The Swedish Government issued a commemorative 100 kronor coin, the commemorative medals were issued as well.

Here is the Delaware medal, which is issued in three sizes. This is the large bronze which measures almost 2 and ¾ inches in diameter. There was small medal with the same design that was about as big as a half dollar. And there was a large silver medal. I’ve got the large and small bonze medals, but I've never seen an example of the large silver piece. If anyone has one for sale out there, I’d be interested in a quote. The obverse shows the state seal and the reverse depicts the “Kalmar Nyckel,” which was the ship the brought the first Swedish settlers to Delaware.



The Swedish Government issued this second medal. This piece, which is in silver (there was an identical piece in bronze) features a wild map of New Sweden in the obverse and the “Kalmar Nyckel” on the reverse. I own both the silver and bronze examples of this piece. For those of you who thought that the reverse of the Texas commemorative half dollar was overly detailed, take a gander at this piece!

Garneteye

Great post and outstanding medals, thanks for posting!

Dan

mepot

Bill,I don't know where you come up with this stuff.Very interesting.

raycyca

Thanks for posting and letting me know. I didn't know, and I LIVE here in Delaware! LOL I did visit my friend's grave which is located in Barret's Chapel cementary. It's the location of the first Methodist beginings, which I also discovered today. Even though I live about 4 miles away! One of these days I want a Delaware commemorative. I'm trying to lacte one with nice toning.

BillJones

A few of my ancestors are buried in the cemetery around Barrett’s Chapel. I remember the summer evening when I was 12 or 13 when my grandmother took around looking at the gravestones of my relatives. The main thing I took away from it was a bad idea to go to “camp meetings” (religious revivals) because it seemed that there was a good chance you would catch typhoid fever and kick the bucket!

BTY here is a list of the prices for the U.S. coins and medals according the official program that was issued with the 1938 celebration:

Commemorative half dollar - $ 1.75
Silver medal - $ 7.50
Large bronze medal - $ 2.50
Small bronze medal - $ 0.50

Interesting enough I purchased a small bronze medal for 50 cents on my 5th grade field trip to the Dover the John Dickenson Mansion and the Dover museums in the spring of 1960. So in 1960, some 22 years after the celebration, the small bronze medals were still available. I still have the piece. And in the 1980s I purchased a few copies of the official program at the state museum for 25 cents each. Interestingly enough the picture of the Delaware commemorative half dollars was not exactly like the finished coin! Here’s snap shot of it. Note the date, "1936", the clouds, sun and rays above Old Sweds Church.

BillJones

<< <i>Bill,I don't know where you come up with this stuff.Very interesting. >>



You get know exonumia dealers. Some tokens and medals are just as interesting as coins, and they are a lot less expensive relative to rarity. The most I paid for these pieces was $50. And the mintages - well let's put it this way - if there are 3,000 or more of anything, that is "dirt common."

NumisOxide

I never knew there was a Delaware Day. Interesting stuff Bill.

BTW,I always enjoy your threads.

Gemineye

The First State™........nice info Bill.........