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University of Virginia Commemorative Medal

 Collection
Identifier: Artifact-025

Scope and Content

This bronze medal is embossed on one side with the seal of the University of Virginia (or similar image), which reads "UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA" at the top, says "1819" at the bottom, and in between depicts a woman in ancient Roman-style dress in front of buildings and holding a staff. The other side is embossed "HAEC OLIM MEMINISSE IVVABIT" on top, "1921" on the bottom, and in between the profile of a man.

The box the medal is in says "Medal struck to commemorate the centennial of the founding of the Univeristy of Virginia, 1921." However, UVA was founded in 1819, as the university seal on the medal itself indicates.

This may be a medal from the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society, a student organization at UVA which uses this Latin motto and has a similar male profile in their seal.

Dates

  • 1921

Language of Materials

The material in this collection is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Abstract

This bronze medal is embossed on one side with the seal of the University of Virginia (or similar image), which reads "UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA" at the top, says "1819" at the bottom, and in between depicts a woman in ancient Roman-style dress in front of buildings and holding a staff. The other side is embossed "HAEC OLIM MEMINISSE IVVABIT" on top, "1921" on the bottom, and in between the profile of a man.

Source of Acquisition

The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives prior to April 1958.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the University of Virginia Commemorative Medal by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the University of Virginia Commemorative Medal was completed in June 2025.

Title
University of Virginia Commemorative Medal, 1921
Subtitle
University of Virginia Commemorative Medal
Status
Completed
Author
Aly Diemel, Volunteer, and Special Collections and University Archives Staff
Date
2025 (CC0 1.0)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308