(1919) Medal Johnson-35 Matte Silver Prince Edward Visits US

Coin Details

Auction Record

$900 SP65 08-21-2021 eBay

Description

This matte silver medal cataloged as Johnson-35, produced circa 1919, commemorates the visit of Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII and then Duke of Windsor after his abdication), to the United States. The Prince's American tour was a diplomatic mission to strengthen the Anglo-American alliance forged during World War I. Edward, then 25 years old, was enormously popular in the United States, drawing large crowds wherever he traveled. The Johnson catalog designation identifies this within the standard reference for medals of this period. The matte silver composition and the Johnson catalog indicate this was a high-quality commemorative issue, produced for diplomatic or official distribution. Edward would later become one of the most controversial figures in British royal history when he abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, making this medal an early connection between the future king and the country that would ultimately provide his wife.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Johnson-35, matte silver. Produced in limited quantities for a diplomatic visit. Edward VIII collectibles are actively sought by royal memorabilia collectors.

Cross References

PCGS #683570; Johnson-35; Prince Edward; Prince of Wales Visit to US 1919