Aug. C. Frank Co. Philadelphia: USA, 1958, Gold, 34 mm
Obv: Intertwined snakes drinking from Bowl of Hygeia inscribed: PCP&S (Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science)
Rev: Inscription reading:   ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND SCIENCE. AWARDED TO BENJAMIN WEISS B.SC. IN PHARMACY FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCHOLARSHIP
Edge: 10K
In original case of issue

The Bowl of Hygeia (also Hygea, Hygia, Hygieia) derives from Greek mythology and is the most widely recognized international symbol of pharmacy. Hygeia was the daughter and assistant of Aesculapius (also Asklepios), the God of Medicine and Healing. Her classical symbol was a bowl containing a medicinal potion with the serpent of Wisdom (or guardianship) drinking from it. This is the same serpent of Wisdom that appears on the caduceus, the staff of Aesculapius [the relationship between the Caduceus and the Staff of Aesculapius is controversial and complex (see www.drblayney.com/Asclepius.html)]. Aesculapius was the son of Apollo, a god with many roles, including those related to prophecy, music, light and medicine, and who, in turn, was the son of Zeus, the supreme ruler of Mount Olympus and of the Pantheon of gods who resided there.

The Bowl of Hygeia has been associated directly with the pharmacy profession since 1796. Over the years, the bowl has come to represent a medicinal potion, while the serpent is associated with healing. This idea of "healing through medicine" is the reason the pharmacy profession has adopted the Bowl of Hygeia symbol.

This Gold Medal was awarded in 1958 by the Alumni Association of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science to Benjamin Weiss for Attaining the Highest Scholastic Average of the 122 College Graduates receiving a B.Sc. in Pharmacy. It is housed in its original green, felt-lined case of issue.

The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now University of the Sciences in Philadelphia), founded in 1821, was first college of pharmacy in North America.