1937 Edward VIII Coronation Medal Commemorative Medallion Rowntree

1937 Edward VIII Coronation Medallion by Rowntree chocolate makers. VGC.


For most reigns, there have been a mixture of official and unofficial medals or medallions produced and issued. For the Coronation of Edward VIII, there were no official medallions issued, as the Coronation never took place, however, a number of commercial companies produced their own unofficial versions in anticipation, just as a number of souvenir companies also produced various other collectable items.

Rowntrees
Rowntrees are an old established British company. It obviously intended to issue copies of the medallion shown for the Coronation, for advertising and publicity. As this event never took place, it is likely that Rowntree's did not issue as many as they originally planned.
Although we cannot remember seeing any other copies of this medallion previously, it is unlikely to be very rare. We have certainly seen a number of other Edward VIII medallions, issued by other companies. There are at least 3 designs issued by medallists in a total of 6 different design / metal combinations, and there may be dozens of other designs issued by commercial enterprises as advertising pieces.


Obverse
The obverse features a crowned bust of Edward VIII facing right, in Coronation robes, with the inscription:
EDWARD VIII KING & EMPEROR

Reverse
The reverse has a crown near the top with E R at the sides, and a wreath below separating the inscription around the edge:-
STRUCK BY THE MAKERS OF ROWNTREE'S COCOA JELLIES & GVMS (GUMS)
In the centre, there is the further inscription:
TO COMMEMORATE
THE CORONATION OF
H.M KING EDWARD
VIII
1937

Code: 2531