All Medals

The medal's obverse bears the original Federal Hall over the seal of the City of New York. Around top, NEW YORK CITY; around bottom, FIRST CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; under Fderal Hall, WASHINGTON'S INAUGURATION / FEDERAL HALL - 1789

The reverse bears five revolutionary soldiers with cannon and flag; ANS seal below; around, thirteen stars representing the original states. Around, BICENTENNIAL / 1776 / 1976 / AMERICAN REVOLUTION; signed below cannon, JOHN RUSSELL / RIDGE

This medal was the 52nd official issue of the American Numismatic Society in 1976.

As with the New York State Bicentennial Medal, the American Numismatic Society's influence ended with the design competition in 1972.  The medal was produced in six variant, five of which were struck by the Medallic Art Company of Danbury, Connecticut, and the silver proof medal struck by the Franklin Mint.  No mintages are reported for any of the variants.

References:   ANS 52

References:   ANS 7

References:   MACo 1971-013-001, WR 1

References:   MACo 1930-001-038, SoM 38

The medal's obverse bears American eagle holding arrows and olive branch in its talons forming body of medal over crossed fasces. At top, ball and cartouche inscribed with VALOR

The reverse bears a scroll for dedication and two protruding bearings, unholed.

While similar to the other decoration designs, this one lacks the cannons, probably meaning that it was intended as a valor decoration applying to the entire armed services rather than just the Army.

It is unknown whether Manship created this design for a commission, a design competition, or independently from a sense of patriotic fervor. Manship certainly was a fierce patriot who did what he could to support the war effort. The exact date for this design is also not known but one of the other designs, an Army Valor decoration, has a sample date of 1918 inscribed on the reverse.  They all date roughly to the end of World War I, probably 1918 or 1919.

The cast bronze measures approximately 91.4mm x 92mm and weighs 341.2g.

The medal's obverse bears abstract shapes, possibly resembling a person.

The reverse bears lengthy legend, MANAGING PEOPLE / · To provide the climate / and resources that will enable all staff / members to advance on merit as far as their / talents and skills will take them, / without regard to age, / handicap, marital status, national origin, / race, religion, or sex · To offer / pay and benefits that are / fair and competitive · To make certain that / ideas, concerns, and problems are / identified and that two way com- / munication is effectively maintained / · To provide and environment that identifies, / encourages, and rewards excellence / and innovation · To remember / always that respect for human dignity is / fundamental to our success / (cross in circle)

I would venture the guess that the aspirational message on this medal was written by a committee.  I can't help but compare and contrast it with the Lincoln medals' "malice towards none" quotes. While I like the abstract motif on the obverse, the whole medal leaves a bit of a bland taste. A medal just should not be a powerpoint presentation.

The medal measures 63.4mm x 63.5mm and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1976-182

References:   BG 25

The medal's obverse bears youthful figure wearing gown in gesture of invocation towards star filled sky. Across, IN ALL THESE - TURNING LIGHTS / I FIND NO - CLUE, ONLY A / MASTERLESS - NIGHT. Named, signed and dated in tiny letters at bottom, "WINTERSET" - MARSHALL DAUGHERTY - 1977

The reverse bears curled up nude male figure on circular patch in center field. Around bottom, AND IN MY BLOOD NO CERTAIN ANSWER. In tiny letters on rim of center patch, © 1976 - MARSHALL DAUGHERTY SC.

The medal is inspired by the poem "Winterset" by Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin. 

The circular medal measures 63.5mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of Danbury, Connecticut. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1967-151-011

The medal's obverse bears busts of Martin L. Beistle, Henry E. Luhrs and J.S. Omwake. Around top, M.L. BEISTLE FOUNRER. H.E.LUHRS BUILDER. J.S. OMWAKE INCORPORATOR.; in exergue, THE BEISTLE COMPANY / FIFTIETH - ANNIVERSARY / 1900-1950

The medal's reverse bears selection of company's products, including toys and combed tissue decorations. In center field, TO FRIENDS OF / THE BEISTLE COMPANY / IN APPRECIATION OF YOUR / LOYALTY AND SUPPORT / WHICH MADE POSSIBLE OUR / FIFTY YEARS / OF SERVICE AND GROWTH / 1900 - 1950

The Beistle Company was founded in 1900 by Martin Luther Beistle.  Working in the basement of his home near Pittsburgh, he produced small imprints and calendars. The company still exists today.

The circular medal was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York.

References:   MACo 1948-002