Alex Craft offered an engaging presentation on the role of medals throughout American history, beginning with an explanation of the fundamental differences between medals and coins. While coins have been a primary form of currency since around 100 BC, medals are often seen as decorations or awards, distinct from currency with reproduction laws. Craft provided historical context by discussing the Massachusetts Bay Colony Pine Tree Shilling, authorized to address a currency shortage in 1652, and the first British American medal, a Quaker medal from the French and Indian War. The latter was struck on a Spanish coin.

Craft’s presentation connected historical events such as the Revolutionary War to the evolution of medals, highlighting Benjamin Franklin’s commission of the first medal struck in America to celebrate the victory at Yorktown. He illustrated the societal issues tied to medals, including those from the temperance movement and the theatrical riots of the 19th century. The presentation also delved into the symbolism of Civil War medals, contrasting earlier simplistic designs with later, more sophisticated commemorative pieces celebrating figures like Abraham Lincoln.

The discussion extended to medals from World War I, noting the sinking of the Lusitania as an event memorialized through medals. A design by Carl Guts depicted the grim consequences of the sinking, contributing to a narrative that spurred American involvement in the war. Craft also discussed the Williams medal awarded to alumni of Williams College who served in the war, and Paul Manship’s controversial medal depicting German soldiers’ actions against Belgian civilians, capturing the emotional turmoil of the era.

A particularly engaging segment of the meeting focused on the current development of a new medal by the American Numismatic Society to commemorate the upcoming semiquincentennial. Plans were shared about a design competition held to recruit artists, with the final design featuring imagery representing industry, the passage of time, and symbols of freedom. The medal is expected to be ready by July and will be the 69th issued by the society.

Further discussion at the meeting involved the market for historical medals and the challenges in their collection. The conversation touched on the valuation of metals, highlighting an ounce of silver exceeding $100 and the sale of a rare tree shilling for nearly $19,000. Concerns about the provenance of historical items were raised, particularly regarding peace medals tied to treaties with Native American tribes. The issue of counterfeit items, notably from China, was also addressed, emphasizing the importance of verifiable history in museum acquisitions.

The meeting shed light on the U.S. Mint’s medal program, described as dysfunctional due to budget constraints and the legalities surrounding the depiction of living individuals on currency. The consensus was that while technically legal, producing medals featuring living politicians breaks a longstanding tradition. The design process often results in subpar artistic outcomes, with many skilled artists reluctant to work for the government due to limitations and compromises. An anecdote highlighted Augustus St. Gaudens’ vow never to work for the government again after a design rejection.

The session concluded with a discussion on the artistic significance of various medals, including those commemorating polar exploration and national archery competitions. One piece by a young Japanese artist was noted for its unique design, stretching the definition of what constitutes a medal. The conversation emphasized the diversity of purposes behind medal creation and collection, blending artistic vision with commemorative intent.