UNITED STATES. 1776-pres. Medal 1876 (Tin, 51 mm, 51.51 g, 12 h), on the 100th Anniversary of Independence. By Ch. E. Barber. Damon and Pythias reunited with initials F.C.B. (Friendship, Charity Benevolence - the ideals of the Knights of Pythias) below. Rev. ✱1776✱THE TEST OF FRIENDSHIP✱1876✱ / FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH within wreath THE ORDER / OF THE / KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS / COMMEMORATES / THE / ONE HUNDREDTH / ANNIVERSARY OF / AMERICAN / INDEPENDENCE / AUG 22 - 1876. Rare. Pierced, otherwise, about extremely fine.


Founded in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 1864, the Knights of Pythias began as a fraternal secret society rooted in ideals of friendship, loyalty, and charity. Just a year later, in 1865, the organization had already grown to include 6,504 lodges and approximately 464,000 members across the United States. While its prominence has declined over time, the order remained active into the 21st century, with more than 2,000 lodges and over 50,000 members worldwide.