1938 Medal Westchester Coin Club Sterling Ag New Rochelle 250th Ann. T-II (Regular Strike)

The 1938 Westchester Coin Club New Rochelle 250th Anniversary Medal

The 1938 Westchester Coin Club New Rochelle 250th Anniversary Medal (T-I #655391, T-II #911862) was presented to club members by the 250th Anniversary Committee in recognition of the club's contribution to the creation of the 1938 New Rochelle Half Dollar (#9335). While the medals were supposedly produced by Tiffany & Co., they lack the company's hallmark and characteristic artistry, more closely resembling a contemporary challenge coin than a piece of fine medallic art.

These medals were likely issued in two configurations: first, as part of a set with the 50 Specimen Strike 1938 New Rochelle Half Dollars (#99335); and second, as a standalone medal. Both configurations utilized red boxes with red velvet lining. However, the Specimen Strike edition included a certificate providing the coin's emission sequence, while the standalone box was dated October 18, 1938.

The medal’s design is based on Lorrilard Wise’s rejected reverse, depicting the city seal and the dual dates 1688–1938. On the medal's reverse, the inscription reads: PRESENTED TO WESTCHESTER COIN CLUB BY 250TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE, NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. JUNE-1938.

Two versions of the medal exist, distinguishable by the spelling of the motto on the ribbon below the shield. On the Type I version, the motto is correctly spelled "NUNQUAM RETROSUM" (Never backward), while the Type II features the incorrect spelling: "MUNQUAM RETROSUM." Using deductive reasoning, it is likely that the initial emission sequence consisted of the Type II medals. Once the misspelling was noticed, the medals were restruck with the corrected Type I dies. Both types remain exceedingly rare.

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