The medal's obverse bears bust of Seligman facing left. Around, · EDWIN · (branch) · R · A · (branch) · SELIGMAN * · MCMX · ; signed under truncation, MOWBRAY / CLARKE
The reverse bears mostly legend. In center, (rosetta) / · SCHOLAR · / · TEACHER · / · CITIZEN · / (laurel branches); around, · TO · COMMEMORATE · TWENTY FIVE · YEARS · OF · SIGNAL · DEVOTION · TO · THE / COMMON · GOOD
Edwin Robert Anderson Seligman (1861–1939), was an American economist who spent his entire academic career at Columbia University in New York City. Seligman is best remembered for his pioneering work involving taxation and public finance. He was one of the editors of the Political Science Quarterly and a founder of the American Economic Association. During World War I he was a vocal advocate of a progressive income tax to fund the government.
The circular medal measures 63.7mm in diameter and was struck by Jos. K Davison of Philadelphia. No mintage is reported.