1929 was the fiftieth anniversary of the invention of the incandescent lamp by Thomas Edison at Menlo Park, NJ (now Edison). To commemorate this event Whitehead and Hoag minted a limited-edition five-inch bronze medallion. On the obverse, Edison’s image, which was taken from life, appeared in profile. The reverse, paid tribute to Edison and depicted an image of the first lightbulb.

Below the words of tribute, as was the Whitehead and Hoag custom, the name of the company appeared. But more than merely saying Whitehead and Hoag Newark NJ, the medal said the following: “Fine Arts Department Whitehead and Hoag at Newark, NJ”. Whitehead and Hoag, never a company to miss a chance the showcase its capabilities, simultaneously honored the beloved inventor, the anniversary of the incandescent lamp and the craftsmen of the Fine Arts Department. The sculptor, Julio Kilenyi created the image of Edison.

From Wikipedia-

“Julio Kilenyi (February 21, 1885 – January 29, 1959) was a sculptor and medal artist. Born in what was then Austria-Hungary he later he moved to Buenos Aires and then to New York. He began his career in the U.S. in 1916 and was known primarily as the designer of commemorative medals”.

Robert Miller, an expert on Whitehead and Hoag, says he believes there could be as few as twelve of these medallions in existence.