USA, Boston, City Medal for Females, a hexagonal silver award, city medal for females instituted by the school committee boston 1821 (the 21 engraved), rev. merited by M.A. McMellen for superior scholarship a.d. 1838 (the 38 engraved), 35mm, 15.34g (Sallay C 3 [high R6, 3-30 specimens known]). Slightly speckled tone, nearly extremely fine, very rare; integral suspension loop with ring £150-£200

Watts Collection

The city medals followed the town medals, both instituted in 1821, following a tradition that begins with the death of Benjamin Franklin in 1790. His will established the first Boston School Medals, awarded in 1792, and the City medals are a part of Franklin’s legacy. cf. John Sallay. "The Boston School Medals", The Numismatist, April 1978. pp. 677ff