Commems Collection Classic: 1936 Delaware Tercentenary - Involvement Of Sweden & Finland

I encourage readers of this post to check out a related post here:

- 1936 Delaware Tercentenary - FDR Speech At Celebration


The classic-era US commemorative series includes several issues that mark joint history between the United States and one or more European nations; examples include, 1920-21 Pilgrim Tercentenary (England), 1924 Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary (Netherlands, France, Belgium) and 1934 Maryland Tercentenary (England) - among others.

The subject of this post, the 1936 Landing of the Swedes / Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar, is another such coin - it ties together the history of the US, Sweden and Finland. Of all such "nations-connected-through-history coins, the 1938 New Sweden/Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar - and the anniversary it commemorates - stands out (IMO) for the support received from Sweden and Finland vs. the foreign engagement received by other such coins.

Sweden sent members of its Royal Family to take part in the tercentenary celebration in Delaware, the people of Sweden donated a commissioned sculpture by Carl Milles to the US, a Two Kronor commemorative coin was issued for circulation in Sweden and an official commemorative medal for the anniversary was struck; Sweden also produced a series of commemorative postage stamps.

Finland sent Commission members to the celebrations, including Dr. F. Rudolf W. Holsti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland. Finland commissioned an official commemorative medal and issued a commemorative postage stamp. It did not, however, issue a commemorative coin for the anniversary.

In this post, I will focus on Sweden's participation in the tercentenary. I plan on circling back to discuss Finland's participation in a future post.

The tercentenary ceremonies took place on a rainy June 27, 1938 in Fort Christina State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The park includes - "The Rocks" - a rocky outcropping believed to be the landing spot of the first Swedish settlers. In attendance was Prince Bertil, son of HRH Crown Prince Gustav Adolf of Sweden, and HRH Crown Princess Louise of Sweden. Crown Prince Gustav Adolph was scheduled to attend the ceremonies and speak, but took ill just before and was forced to remain on the Royal liner, Kungsholm docked in the Christina River (near the park); Prince Bertil took his place and gave Sweden's address. Dr. Holsti of the Finland delegation also spoke at the ceremony.

US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt attended and spoke at the ceremony, accepting Sweden's gift of a commemorative marble sculpture by Carl Milles.

Crown Prince Gustav Adolf and Crown Princess Louise

(Image Credit: "The 'New Sweden' Tercentenary" brochure - reprinted from The American Swedish Monthly. Fair use, education.)

The "New Sweden" Monument Accepted by FDR at Ceremony

(Image Credit: "The 'New Sweden' Tercentenary" brochure - reprinted from The American Swedish Monthly magazine, June 1938. Fair use, education.)

Proceeds from sales of the 1936 Delaware half dollar helped fund the tercentenary celebrations.

1936 Landing of the Swedes - Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar


1936 Landing of the Swedes - Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar - Preliminary Models

(Image Credit: "The 'New Sweden' Tercentenary" brochure - reprinted from The American Swedish Monthly. Fair use, education.)

Note the position of "1936" in the clouds on the preliminary model vs. its position below Old Swedes Church on the struck coin.

Sweden's corresponding commemorative Two Kronor depicts King Gustav V on its obverse and the Kalmar Nyckel on its reverse. 508,815 were minted for circulation in Sweden.

1938 Sweden Commemorative Two Kronor


Official medals were issued by Sweden and the US. Sweden's medal features the Kalmar Nyckel on its obverse and a 17th century map of the New Sweden (Delaware) region depicted on its reverse. The medal was available in Bronze and Silver. I have one of each, though my bronze piece is in nice "As Struck" condition vs. my silver example (previously posted) that has seen a few rough days.

1938 Sweden Commemorative Medal - Bronze

(Image Credit: Stacks Bowers Galleries. Fair use, education.)

A series of five commemorative postage stamps were printed in Sweden; they had postage values of 5, 15, 20, 30 and 60 Ore. The design of the 5 Ore depicts New Sweden Governor Johann Printz (Governor from 1642 to 1653) and a Native American (Printz helped establish friendly relations with local Native Americans); the 15 Ore presents the Kalmar Nyckel (foreground) and Vogel Grip (background) sailing ships (the two ships that brought the initial settlers), the 20 Ore depicts the Arms of Sweden; the 30 Ore presents Old Swedes Church and the 60 Ore depicts Queen Christina (Queen of Sweden in 1638).

1938 Sweden First Day Cover for New Sweden Stamps


The FDC shown incorporates the commemorative "Kalymer Nyckel" cancellation.


For more about the medal and stamp of Finland, see:

-1936 Delaware Tercentenary - Finnish Cousins


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more Delaware half dollar stories and its Swedish cousins, see: Commems Collection.