The medal's obverse bears nude male lodged between two rock faces, prying them apart with shoulder and outstretched arm; at bottom, ship sailing through opening twoards horizon with skyline of Panama-Pacific Exposition buildings. Around, 1904 THE LAND DIVIDED THE WORLD UNITED 1979 / PANAMA CANAL COMMEMORATION; signed at bottom of two rock faces, NAHL - HYDE
The reverse bears female figure, standing on globe depicting pierced isthmus, holding palm frond and wreath of laurels with cloak or cape of stars behind her; canal with sailing and steam ship behind her. Around, · PANAMA-PACIFIC · INTERNATIONAL · EXPOSITION · / SAN FRANCISCO - 1915
The circular medal measures 76mm in diameter and wa struck in bronze and silver in unknown mintages.