Name/Title
Commemorative CoinEntry/Object ID
2018.1.1Description
French-made, bronze commemorative coin celebrating the United States joining the Allies in World War I. The obverse side of the coin features a bust of Woodrow Wilson above an eagle. Behind the bust is a torch on the left labeled "Liberil" (Free or Liberty) and an ax on the right labeled "Droit" (Just or Justice). The reverse side of the coin features three figures—Britannia (England) and Marianne (France) greeting Columbia (United States)—with a cannon and Reims Cathedral in the background. The medal is inscribed: "Le Droite est plus précieux de lá Paix... Nous nousbattons pour lá Liberté" (Justice is more precious than Peace... We fight for Freedom). The overlayed initials of the designer, René Grégoire, appears on the left of the reverse side of the coin. Grégoire’s signature appears on the left of the obverse side of the coin, beside the words “Paris 1917.”Context
Coins such as this have no minted value and are issued to commemorate events or people. Designed by French sculptor, René Grégoire (1871-1945), this coin was issued to commemorate the United States—represented by the figure Columbia—joining the Allies, principally the United Kingdom—represented by the figure Britannia—and France—represented by the figure Marianne—in World War I. Although the United States declared its neutrality at the outbreak of the war in 1914, American companies continued to ship food, supplies, and munitions to the Allies and Central Powers. American banks also supplied the warring nations with loans, the bulk of which went to the Allies.
To curtail the transport of goods, raw materials, and munitions to the United Kingdom and France, German submarines targeted commercial and civilian vessels in the Atlantic. American deaths at the hands of German submarines and news of the Zimmerman Telegram—an encrypted message intercepted by the British that revealed Germany’s intentions to recruit Mexico to the Central Powers and help the country regain territory lost during the Mexican-American War—in January 1917 strained diplomatic relations between the United States and Germany and turned the American public in favor the Allies. On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. On April 4, 1917, the Senate voted to declare war. Two days later, the House of Representatives voted to declare war, and the United States officially entered World War I.Coin Details
Obverse
Description
Bust of Woodrow Wilson above an eagle with two columns in the background.Transcription
WilsonReverse
Description
Three figures interacting: Britannia, Marianne, and Columbia. Two of the figures appears= to be holding weapons. A cannon and Reims Cathedral are depicted in the background.Transcription
Le Droite est plus précieux de lá Paix... Nous nousbattons pour lá Liberté
