The medal's obverse bears bust facing right in extremely high relief. Around, in archaic lettering, ABRAHAM LINCOLN

The reverse bears banded oak-laurel wreath surrounding inscription: INAUGURATED / PRESIDENT / OF THE / UNITED STATES / MARCH 4, 1861 / SECOND TERM / MARCH 4, 1865 / ASSASSINATED / APRIL 14, 1865.

Julian wrote about this medal:

"some numismatists, including the author of this work, consider the obverse of the Lincoln medal to be one of the finest artistic efforts ever struck at the mint."

The circular medal measures 76.8mm in diameter and was struck in copper by the U.S. Mint of Philadelphia. The medal is usually referred to as Julian PR-12.