The medal's obverse bears deep relief portrait of Townsend Harris, facing slight right. Around top, TOWNSEND HARRIS MEDAL; signed and dated at lower left, d'A / 1933
The reverse bears legend only. Around, THE ASSOCIATE ALUMNI OF THE COLLEGE OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; across, FOR / NOTABLE / ACHIEVEMENT / LOUIS KAUFMAN ANSPACHER / '97
Townsend Harris (1804 –1878) was a successful New York City merchant and minor politician, and the first United States Consul General to Japan. He negotiated the "Harris Treaty" between the US and Japan and is credited as the diplomat who first opened the Empire of Japan to foreign trade and culture in the Edo period.
The circular medal measures 75.3mm in diameter and was struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1933-008