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Medal, 1932, AR, WILLIAM PENN 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARRIVAL IN AMERICA, (Rare Silver Variety - at least 5 times scarcer than Bronze) So Called Dollar, United States, Philadelphia, PA. HK-461, NGC MS65 Gem, Cert# 4141586-018. Medals issued by William Penn Commemoration Committee, which staged event; designed by Julio Kilenyi, New York sculptor; struck by Whitehead and Hoag Co.
Celebration held Oct. 24, 1932, in Convention Hall; International radio and telephone hook-up brought into hall speeches on Penn by President of United States, Queen of Holland, Kings of England and Sweden, Governors of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey and Mayors of London, Deal, New Castle, Chester and Philadelphia. Ceremonies included presentation of pageant, "Thou Philadelphia," depicting Penn's Landing, treaty with Indians and farewell to Philadelphia. Official Medals actually issued in two sizes and two metals; large 3-inch size precluded from listing here. Smaller official pieces below sold in Silver for $1, in Copper for 25 cents. Issue was quite limited. Obverse bust of Penn in armor was taken from only known original portrait, that in Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Obv. Within 2/3 circle, broken at bottom, armored bust, facing slightly to r.; in field to l. of bust Ae.Tis. 22.; in field to r., 1666; above r. shoulder, Kilenyi; outside, above around 1682 Arrival of William Penn in America 1932.
Rv. Scene depicting Penn's first land purchase from Indians--full-length Penn, l. shakes hands with Indian chief, center, who stands before seated tribesmen; near lower l. edge, microscopic Whitehead-Hoag
HK-461 Silver, Sterling stamped on rectangle on rev. 38mm.