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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
British Royal Visit Commemorative Medal
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

British Royal Visit Commemorative Medal

Artifact IDMO 1941.41.75
Object Type Medal, Commemorative
Engraver (British medalist, 1895 - 1970)
Engraver (Canadian sculptor, 1881 - 1957)
Maker (Canadian, founded 1908)
Date1939
Mediummetal (gold)
Dimensionsobject (medal) Diam 2 1/8 in x D 1/8 in (0.3 cm x 5.4 cm )
 box/case H 7/8 in x W 4 in x D 4 1/8 in (2.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 10.5 cm )
Physical Descriptiona) A round gold medal commemorating the 1939 British Royal Visit to Canada.

OBVERSE: Left-facing conjoined profiles of the heads of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, both wearing crowns. The initials of engraver Percy Metcalfe - "PM" - are on the lower right side.

REVERSE: Engraved by Emanuel Hahn, it shows a map of Canada topped by the shield and crown from the Canadian Coat of Arms and the date "1939". Encircling the map is an inscription in Latin that reads: A • MARI • VSQUE • AD • MARE / REGEM ☆ ET ☆ REGINAM ☆ CANADA ☆ SALVTAT.

b) A red leather presentation/storage case for the medal with the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada in gold on the cover. The interior of the box is lined with white satin and purple velvet. Stamped on the interior of the cover is the logo of the Royal Canadian Mint.
Historical NoteThis medal, struck in commemoration of the 1939 visit of Britain's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada, was sent to Franklin D. Roosevelt by Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King in July 1939. The medal is one of only six gold medals struck for the occasion, two of which were presented to the King and Queen.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
CopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
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