This medal was chosen as the third special issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1976.
The obverse bears long-legged bumpkin on pony, playing flute as dog runs alongside, chicken fleeing at left. Three scrolls forming triangle around central image, YANKEE DOODLE / CAME TO TOWN / RIDING ON A PONY; below, signed with stylized JOV / 76 ©
The reverse bears tricorne with feather seen from above. Below, 1776 - 1976
The famous song was entitled "The Yankey's Return from Camp" when it was first published in 1778 and used to poke fun at the colonials. Soon it became a badge of honor among them and became so offensive to the British that General Gage complained "I hope I shall never hear that tune again." It is reported to have been played at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Jovine made two other beautiful medals for the Society: SOM-101 and SOM-122.
This medal measures 73mm in diameter and was produced by the Medallic Art Company which struck 2,500 pieces in bronze and an unknown number in silver (500 were authorized).