1765 (1790-1820) Princeton University Cliosophic Society Medal. Gold. About Uncirculated. 39 mm x 42 mm, including integral loop for suspension. 5.6 grams, .580 fine, 0.104 troy ounces AGW. The base of the badge is square in shape and incorporates a second square rotated 45 degrees in relation to the first. One side is engraved PRODESSE QUAM / (clasped hands) / CONSPICI, while the other side is engraved CLIOS. SOC. / INSTITUTA / A.D. MDCCLXV. Charming iridescent reddish-apricot toning to dominant antique gold color, with only wispy handling marks that do not inhibit the quality or eye appeal. According to the <em>princetoniana.princeton.edu</em> website:<p><em>"Princetons American Whig-Cliosophic Society began around 1765 as two separate organizations: the Plain Dealing Club and the Well Meaning Club. Conflicts between the two clubs soon led to their suppression, but by 1770, the Plain Dealing Club was allowed to reorganize as the Whig Society, and the Well Meaning Club returned as the Cliosophic Society. William Paterson, a member of the Class of 1763 and later governor of New Jersey, persuaded the new president, John Witherspoon, to permit successors to the banned clubs.</em><p><em>"The American Whig Society derived its name from the writings of a new trustee, William Livingston, soon to become first governor of the state of New Jersey, whose essays advocated adherence to the principles of British political and religious dissent that later found concrete form in the Revolution and in the founding of the American Republic. Cliosophic seems to have been invented by Paterson to signify in praise of wisdom, rather than evoke the muse of history.</em><p><em>"The societies were especially active in the years immediately preceding the Revolution. They afforded an arena in which many future leaders of the Republic, including James Madison (Whig) and Aaron Burr (Clio), developed and sharpened skills of persuasion, exposition, cooperation - and conflict - with their peers."</em><p>The first badge of this type that your cataloger can ever recall handling, and undoubtedly a significant rarity whose offering represents an important find for the specialist. Collector tag included.
