The medal's obverse bears historical trademark of stag leaping over log, radiant background pattern. As part of trademark design, JOHN DEERE / MOLINE, ILL.; on log, TRADEMARK; on small panel below, HISTORICAL TRADEMARK / 1876
The reverse bears calendar panel on stylized front view of tractor's cooler grill with John Deere logo above; large profile wheels to each side. In exergue, 1984
John Deere is the brand name of Deere & Company. The company grew from a blacksmith shop in Grand Detour, Illinois, which Deere had opened in 1837 after escaping bankruptcy in his hometown of Rutland, Vermont. He invented the steel plow, solving the problem of the rich, fertile Midwestern soil sticking to iron plowshares, which forced the farmers to stop frequently to clean them. The company grew quickly and in 1853 his son Charles joined him in the business.
The company logo that is on the medal's obverse was used between 1876 and 1912, coinciding roughly with Charles Deere's reign of the company. He died in 1907 and was succeeded by his son-in-law William Butterworth.
The circular medal measures 76.1mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of Danbury, Connecticut. No mintage is reported.
References: Cal JD-1984