The medal's obverse bears portrait of Menconi, facing. To left, RALPH / J. / MENCONI; to right, 1915 - / 1972
The reverse bears in recessed center field a seated Menconi, facing right, working on medallic design; around, symbols representing his medal series: a praying couple representing his Great Religions series, the NASA logo representing his Apollo mission series, books and an oil lamp, the Liberty Bell representing the Signers of the Declaration of Independence series, three presidential busts representing his Presidential series. Around bottom in two lines, HIS SCULPTURE PRESERVES / (oak leaf) OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE (oak leaf); signed along easel leg, RAW © 1973
Ralph J. Menconi was a prolific medalist and well known for the popular medal series which he designed for Presidential Art Medals (PAM).
The circular medal measures 63.4mm in diameter and was struck in bronze, silver, and gold-filled bronze by the Medallic Art Company. No mintages are reported.
References: MACo 1973-067