The medal's obverse bears seated young woman binding fasces before outline of the United States. Around, "TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION... AND SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY"; signed in exergue, E.F.

The reverse bears images of Lincoln and Washington in wreaths above dedication field. In field, NATIONAL ORATORICAL CONTEST / ON THE / CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES / AWARDED BY / THE NEW YORK TIMES / TO / ROGER WOOD / 1931

The National Oratorical Contest grew from a local competition held by the Los Angeles Times in 1923 to a national movement sponsored by the major regional newspapers of the day. Topics had to be related to the U.S. Constitution and prizes were a hefty $1,500 for the winner.  The competition was held annually until 1933.

This medal was issued by the New York Times in the years from 1926 to 1932. Most other newspapers issued variants of a Kilenyi-designed plaquette.  The Times later reused this design for the New York Times Constitution Essay Medal, which took the place of the Oratorical Contest in 1932.

The medal measures 44.8mm in diameter and was struck in bronze and 14kt gold by the Medallic Art Company of New York.  No mintage is reported.  While I have not seen it in silver it probably exists in that metal as well.

References:   Baxter 293, MACo 1926-020-001