William Penn, a Quaker who supported peaceful relations with the Native American Indians (figure 38), was also a leader in the fight for religious liberty. He and his agents encouraged German emigration to Pennsylvania by circulating promotional literature touting the economic advantages of Pennsylvania as well as the religious liberty available there. Largely because of his liberal beliefs, many different religious groups settled in Pennsylvania, the state which he founded and which bears his name. The legend on the medal “By Deeds of Peace” was Penn’s favorite motto.

 
Figure 38. William Penn Memorial Medal

L. Pingo, England, 1718, Silver struck medal, 40 mm. Penn with Native American Indian clasping hands. Ref: Eimer 482; BHM 201; Betts 531; MI ii, 438/40 (Image courtesy of Christopher Eimer)