The medal's obverse bears bust of Adam Eckfeldt facing right. Around, ADAM ECKFELDT CHIEF COINER U.S. MINT 1814 1839; signed under truncation, FURST. F.
The reverse bears legend, A / FAREWELL TRIBUTE / OF / AFFECTIONATE REGARD / TO / ADAM ECKFELDT / FROM HIS / FELLOW OFFICERS / OF THE / U.S.MINT / 1839
John Adam Eckfeldt (1769-1852) was a worker and official in the early days of the U.S. Mint. A lifelong Philadelphian, Eckfeldt served as the second chief coiner of the Mint, from 1814 until 1839. Eckfeldth recommended Franklin Peale as his successor and Peale was indeed appointed. Nevertheless, Eckfeldt continued to perform the functions of chief coiner without pay until a few days before his death on February 6, 1852. After Eckfeldt's death, Peale, wrote what Taxay terms a "frantic letter" to Mint Director George N. Eckert, seeking the appointment of an assistant. Peale had spent the freed-up time designing and selling medals for private gain.
While the medal's obverse is designed by Furst, the lettering in the reverse is usually attributed to Peale.
The circular medal measures 51.9mm in diameter and was struck at the U.S. Mint. The mintage is reported to be 1 piece in gold, which was handed to Adam Eckfeldt, 6 pieces in silver, one for each of Eckfeldt's children, and 15 to 25 pieces in bronze which were given to the officers of the U.S. Mint. This medal is usually referred to as Julian MT-18.
Many thanks to eBay'er caarascup for his permission to use the beautiful images of the silver medal.