Floyd W. Stoker

This medal's obverse bears three draped allegorical female figures, the rightmost holding a mask. On left and right of figures, ACTORS' - FUND / JUNE 8 1882; signed at lower right, BEACH

The medal's reverse bears the traditional masks of tragedy and comedy. Incuse around top, ACTORS' FUND OF AMERICA; dated and inscribed to recipient at bottom, AUGUST 6, 1964 / FLOYD W. STOKER

The edge is marked with MEDALLIC ART CO. N.Y.

The Actors' Fund Medal was inaugurated on May 9, 1910 when it was first presented to President William Howard Taft. The award was revived in 1958, and since 1992, when Shubert Organization President Bernard B. Jacobs was recognized, the award has been presented at an annual fundraising gala in New York City. Since then, leading actors and organizations have been recognized with this high honor which is awarded to individuals and organizations that enrich the entertainment community.

In 1964 the award went to three recipients: Angus Duncan, Zero Mostel and Floyd W. Stoker. This particular medal was awarded to Floyd W. Stoker.

The original medal bore the legend NEW YORK / 1910 on the obverse. It was only awarded once in 1910 and then never again. There has been some controversy whether the original medal was co-issued with the American Numismatic Society because a tiny ANS seal can be found on the medal's obverse. However, there is no documentation that supports that this medal was an ANS issue.

The medal measures 70mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York.