Medals Related to Eagles

The medal's obverse bears eagle, about to launch itself into the air, broken chain links at its talons.

The reverse bears two-line maker's mark: TOWLE / SOM © 1977

This paperweight is part of a small series of promotional items that were manufactured in the 1970's. The obverse sides of some of the earlier, more popular Society of Medalists medals were taken and issued as paperweights. The attempt proved commercially unsuccessful.

The circular paperweight measures 73.2mm in diameter. No mintage is reported.

The medal's obverse bears eagle holding sprig of laurel in its beak, shield with star in background. Legend reading AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION / 121ST / ANNIVERSARY / CONVENTION / AUGUST / 7-11 / 2012 / PHILADELPHIA

The reverse bears portrait of David Rittenhouse, slight left, gear wheel and stars in background, his signature along left edge. Signed with artist's JNF monogram at lower right.

David Rittenhouse (1732-1796) was a renowned American astronomer, inventor, clockmaker, mathematician, surveyor, instrument craftsman and public official.  He was a member of the American Philosophical Society and served as the the first director of the U.S. Mint.

The circular medal measures 69.8mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medalcraft Mint of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The mintage was limited to 100 pieces.