JAPAN. Gold Kokugakuin University Alumni Association Gift Medal, Koki 2580 (Taisho 9 [1920]). VERY FINE.

Weight: 10.01 gms. Diameter: 30 mm (including suspension ring). Obverse: Two characters in seal script superimposed on leaves, three five-pointed stars around; Reverse: Seal script inscription "國學院大學同寧會/贈和田君/皇紀二五八O年" (Kokugakuin University Alumni Association/Mr. Wada/2580 Imperial Era). This moderately worn medal exhibits signs of being worn with the typical sweated surfaces and displays a pale golden color with richer patination in the protected areas. This interesting and obviously important gift medal was given to Mr. Toyoji Wada, who was director of Kokugakuin University and donated the necessary funds to build the campus' Shinto Shrine that was completed 1 May 1930. Mr. Wada passed away 4 March 1924 of stomach cancer and never saw the completion of the shrine.

Estimate: USD 600-800