Commems Collection Medals: 1957 Mayflower Compact Signing

The Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association ("Association") is a non-profit corporation based in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The Association was founded in 1892 with the objective of honoring the first landing spot of the Mayflower and her "Pilgrims" in the New World - Provincetown. The Association built the Pilgrim Monument, a 252-foot tall tower as a result of this objective. Today, among other endeavors, the Association manages/operates the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. (Learn More About the Monument and Museum here.)

Pilgrim Monument

(Image Credit: Library of Copngress, Prints and Photographs Division. Public Domain.)

The cornerstone for the Pilgrim Monument was laid in 1907. As part of its recognition of the 50th anniversary of this event, the Association commisssioned Barthold Nebel to design/create models for a commemorative medal. The medal was struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York.

Pilgrims Signing Mayflower Compact on Board Mayflower

(Image Credit: From painting by Tompkins Harrison Matteson. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Public Domain.)

The obverse of the bronze medal depicts a hypothetical scene of the Compact being signed aboard the Mayflower, with William Bradford, the colony's second but more noteworthy Governor) standing at center overseeing the signing, (John Carver was the colony's first elected Governor, but died within a year.) The reverse presents a westward sailing Mayflower with "1620 - MAYFLOWER - 1957" above the ship at the rim. The medal is 2-7/8" in diameter (73 mm) and weighs ~7.4 ounces (210 grams).

Note: Governor Bradford can also be seen on the 1920-21 Pilgrim Tercentenary Half Dollar; he holds a bible in that depiction as well.Coins with Hats)


On the edge of the medal is the commemorative inscription: "SIGNING MAYFLOWER COMPACT IN PROVINCETOWN (CAPE CODD) [sic] HARBOR NOVEMBER.11.1920"

1957 Pilgrim Monument Dedication 50th Anniversary




For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see: Commems Collection.