Object Details
- Description
- This medal was created to capitalize on the enthusiasm for the Erie Canal linking Buffalo with Albany. On the obverse, Pan sits beside Poseidon, with a cornucopia representing the bounty of the Great Lakes, a lighthouse in the distance, and “UNION OF ERIE WITH THE ATLANTIC.” The reverse has elements of the coat of arms of New York State (an eagle atop a part of a globe, over a shield with “EXCELSIOR” on banner). At left is a section of the canal; at right is a ship in full sail, and a large structure representing the City of New York. The text reads “ERIE CANAL COMMENCED 4 JULY 1817 COMPLETED 26 OCTR 1825” and “THOMASON.”
- According to a notice posted in several American newspapers in November 1826: “Mr. Thomason, the celebrated manufacturers of fancy articles at Birmingham, was making a medal die, copied from that which the corporation of New-York gave to the Duke of Saxe Weimar, in memory of the canal celebration. A quantity of medals are to be struck off for the American market. Mr. Thomason says it will be the largest coin ever made, being somewhat larger than the Napoleon medals.”
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Thomason, Edward
- obverse engraver
- Thomason, Edward
- reverse engraver
- Thomason, Edward
- date made
- 1825
- Physical Description
- struck (overall production method)
- brass (overall metal)
- circular (overall shape)
- Measurements
- overall: 8.14 cm; 3 7/32 in
- Object Name
- medal
