1973 National Father Marquette Tercentenary Commission Medal. Struck by the Philadelphia Mint. Silver. Awarded to Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. Mint State.
33.5 mm, .900 fine. 20.0 grams, 18.0 grams ASW. Obv : PERE JACQUES MARQUETTE / MISSIONARY AND EXPOLORER around, Father Jacques Marquette and fur trader Louis Joliet with Native guide in canoe at center, 1668 / 1773 / P under the canoe indicating the medal was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Rev : 1968 TERCENTENNIAL 1973 / EXPLORATIONS OF MARQUETTE around, map of interior of the United States and route of exploration along the Mississippi river at center. Edge : plain. Attractive and original lustrous surfaces with gold and deep pink toning noted on the reverse periphery and edge. Housed in a plush blue clamshell case with plush blue and cream silk interior. A plaque inside the case reads: NATIONAL FATHER MARQUETTE / TERCENTENARY COMISSION MEDAL / AWARDED TO / EDWIN E. ALDRIN. JR. / NOVEMBER 8, 1969 - MILWUKEE, WISCONSIN. In September 1965, the U.S. Congress established the Father Marquette Tercentenary Commission to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Jacques Marquette's explorations of the northern Great Lakes and Mississippi River Valley. The commission granted a five year period, 1968-1973, to honor Marquette. The commission authorized multiple events including the composition of a symphony, a symposium, and the awarding of Marquette University's first Pere Marquette Discovery Medals to the Apollo 11 astronauts at the Discovery award dinner on November 8, 1969. Along with the Discovery medals, Tercentenary Commission medals (as here) were also awarded to the three astronauts. In speaking of the awards, President John P. Raynor said "Like Father Marquette, the Apollo 11 astronauts share in full measure the qualities which distinguish all great explorers - a questing spirit, uniqueness in deed and a consuming dedication to the betterment of civilization." Even apart from the obvious appeal of being an Aldrin-awarded medal, these rarely seen Philadelphia Mint issues appeal to Mint medal collectors as well. Struck in both silver and bronze, both are quite tough to find. This is the first example we can recall handling in any composition.
From the Wendy and Harris Lefkon Collection.