Avedis Zildjian 350th Anniversary Medal (1623–1973)

ANRO-1777

Obverse: The bust of Avedis Zildjian, facing left. Above, the inscription "CYMBALSMITH", and below, "AVEDIS ZILDJIAN". The artist’s signature "John Calabro SC." appears to the right.
Reverse: A panoramic view of Constantinople, the birthplace of Zildjian cymbals, with ships on the Bosphorus. Above, an inset circle bears Arabic script, followed by "AVEDIS / ZILDJIAN CO. / GENUINE / TURKISH CYMBALS / MADE IN U.S.A." Below, the dates "1623 – 1973" commemorate 350 years of the company.

Specifications: Bronze, 50mm, 75.24g
Artist / Engraver: John Calabro
Mint: Medallic Art Co.
Edge: Plain, inscription MACO - NY - BRONZE
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: ANRO Collection inv. 194

Avedis Zildjian I, an Armenian alchemist in 17th-century Constantinople, discovered an alloy of copper, tin, and traces of silver, producing uniquely resonant cymbals. In 1618, Ottoman Sultan Osman II invited him to the royal court to manufacture cymbals for the elite Janissary bands. By 1623, Avedis was granted permission to establish his own business in the Psamatia district of Constantinople, marking the official founding of the Zildjian Company, now one of the oldest family-run businesses in the world.

In 1929, Avedis III relocated the company to Quincy, Massachusetts, where Zildjian cymbals became integral to modern percussion. The firm later moved to Norwell, MA, continuing its 400-year legacy. Passed down through fifteen generations, Zildjian remains synonymous with high-quality cymbal craftsmanship.