A matched pair of New England Numismatic Association (NENA) commemorative medals — a wonderful find for New England numismatic history collectors, colonial Americana enthusiasts, and Massachusetts history buffs.
Medal 1 — NENA Elephant / God Preserve New England
The obverse bears a boldly struck elephant with the legend "GOD PRESERVE NEW ENGLAND — 1694 — NENA" — a direct tribute to one of the most historically significant pieces in all of American numismatics. The 1694 elephant tokens, struck in England and circulated in the American colonies, bear this same inscription and are among the earliest coins associated with New England. The NENA elephant medal keeps this colonial legacy alive in a beautifully struck modern commemorative. Warm gold/bronze tone with full sharp detail throughout.
Medal 2 — NENA Twentieth Conference — Boston 1964 — Sterling Silver
The obverse features the Sacred Cod of Massachusetts — the iconic wooden codfish that has hung in the Massachusetts State House since colonial times as a symbol of the fishing industry's importance to New England's economy and identity. Legend reads "TWENTIETH CONFERENCE — MASSACHUSETTS — 1964 — BOSTON" with STERLING stamped on the reverse confirming silver content. Bright silver surfaces with attractive light toning and full sharp strike.
Both medals present in uncirculated condition with no wear, no damage, and original surfaces throughout. Housed in individual capsules.
The New England Numismatic Association has served coin collectors across the six New England states for decades, and their convention medals — particularly those referencing colonial New England iconography like the elephant token and the Sacred Cod — are collected by both numismatists and New England history enthusiasts alike.
Curiosity Coins — Medway, Massachusetts | Est. 1999 | ANA • PCGS • NGC • Heritage Auctions Member / Buying & selling US and world coins, silver, gold, currency, and collectibles since 1999. Many auctions start at $5 — combined shipping always available. Questions welcome.