The medal's obverse bears the New York World's Fair motif of trylon and perisphere. To left of trylon, 1939; across, N - EW YORK / WORLD'S / FAIR.
The medal's reverse bears boy painting poster with World's Fair motif in front of eagle. Around, NATIONAL POSTER COMPETITION.
The National Poster Competition was officially announced on March 30, 1937 and was open to students throughout the United States. Participants could submit original poster designs for the New York World's Fair of 1939/40.
The medal was struck in bronze and silver, with the silver pieces being much rarer than those struck in bronze.
This medal measures 51mm (2in) in diameter and was struck by the Whitehead & Hoag Company of Newark, New Jersey. No mintages are reported.