Jill writes: I have a coin dated 1807, inscribed with: Hudson River – Henry Hudson. Flip side: Robert Fulton 1765-1815  First use of steam navigation in Hudson River
This has been a keepsake…but I’ve always wondered why it was produced..if any other reason but commemorative, and also if there was any value to it. If not…this is fine, I’ve just always been curious and when I wandered onto this site..I was doing some checking around and thought it would be a good place to inquire. Thank you for your assistance. Jill
There were many medals produced for the Hudson-Fulton celebration in 1909. The New York State Legislature created the program in 1906“to re-stimulate interest in the important roles New York City and New York State played in American History, to inculcate in the vast immigrant population of the state pride in their new Homeland and to promote international friendship.”
New York City played the dominant role in the Festivities and communities all along the Hudson River also participated. The Festival was held from September 25 to October 11, 1909.
There is a great deal of interest in medals from this event and there are designs that were struck in gold, gilt, bronze, silver, white metal and aluminum. The date 1807 was the Robert Fulton’s first launch. Approximate values from $35 – $600.