Dartmouth Given Priority In Sale of '69 Medals

Most Dartmouth people recall that a commemorative medal was issued in 1969 in connection with the 200th anniversary of the founding of the College. What they may not know is that, unlike the recent prolific issuance of medals by private mints featuring thousands of subjects, the Dartmouth Medal was officially authorized by the Congress of the United States and produced by the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia. Actually, it was the last medal authorized and made by the government for a private institution, and one of the very few ever approved for a college or university.

Only 5,002 medals were produced. Two were in gold and were presented to Lord Dartmouth and President Dickey. The others are bronze with a satin finish. The medal is three inches in diameter and ⅛ inch thick. It was designed by RudolphRuzicka, the distinguished graphic artist. Theobverse, or "heads" side, shows the Old Pine. Thereverse combines the arms and motto of the Earls of Dartmouth with those of the College.

Most of the medals were sold to Dartmouth people in 1969, the year of the Bicentennial The remainder, less than 1500, were sent to World of Coins in Tucson, Ariz., for final distribution. The president of World of Coins is Del Worthington '26, who has stated that all proceeds from the sale of the medals will be turned over to the College.

A small announcement ad is appearing in this issue of the Magazine and will be repeated in subsequent issues until all the medals are sold. While the remainder of the medals might have been quickly absorbed by numismatists and collectors outside of the Dartmouth family, it was felt that they should be a part of the special Dartmouth heritage. And with the very limited mintage of 5,002, the medals are scarce and will become more valuable in years to come.