The obverse bears bust of Dr. Muhlenberg, right. To left, reading upwards, WILLIAM AVGVSTVS / MVHLENBERG D.D.; to right, reading upwards, FOVNDER OF ST. LVKE'S / HOSPITAL; signed along rim at lower right, V.D.BRENNER N.Y.
The reverse bears seal of hospital over branches of palm and oak to right. Seven-line inscription across center left, THE AMERICAN / NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL / SOCIETY / COMMEMORATES BY THIS MEDAL / THE OPENING OF THE NEW / ST. LVKE'S HOSPITAL / MDCCCXCVI
This is the 10th medal issued by the American Numismatic Society.
The medal commemorates the opening of the new St. Luke's Hospital building in New York City. St. Luke's Hospital was founded in 1858 by Dr. William Muhlenberg, an Episcopalian clergyman, as a private hospital. In 1896 it relocated from its original site at 5th Avenue and 54th Street to Amsterdam Avenue and 113th Street. In 1979 St. Luke's merged with Roosevelt Hospital.
Victor David Brenner cut the dies for this medal (his first for the ANS) by hand. The reported mintage for this medal is 1 piece in gold, 10 in silver, and 89 in bronze.
References: ANS 10, Baxter 116, Marqusee 97