The medal's obverse bears multi-line inscription, 1860 - 1945 / BOSTON / NUMISMATIC / SOCIETY / 85TH ANNIVERSARY; signed (?) at bottom, HS
The medal's reverse bears Society's seal on bottom. Above, SHEPARD POND / 1889-1945 / IN MEMORIAM
Shepard Pond (1889-1945) first became the Boston Numismatic Society's Secreatary in 1924 and quickly traversed the available leadership positions until he was elected President in 1938. He also served as ANA governor for several years. His transformative leadership brought about the New England Numismatic Association (NENA) and the first election of a woman to a leadership position.
The medal itself is not particularly inspired. Absent a wealthy sponsor, regional numismatic societies rarely had the means to hire famous artists for commemorative medals and 1945 was not exactly an easy year in world history.
The circular medal measures 44.4mm in diameter and was struck in bronze. No mintage is reported.