The Coins and Medals of Laura Gardin Fraser
1929 Medal/MAco 1929-046
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
MISCELLANIOUS MEDALS |
| Item Description: |
75mm UNDATED BRASS AMERICAN BAR ASSOC. |
| Full Grade: |
NGC MS 64 |
| Owner: |
coinsbygary |
Owner Comments:
Every year since 1929, The American Bar Association awards this medallion designed by Laura Gardin Fraser for "Exceptionally distinguished service by a lawyer or lawyers to the cause of American jurisprudence." This medallion is an unawarded 75mm example of the ABA medallion struck in gilded bronze. From the reverse picture, it appears as if the gilt did not uniformly take. This medallion is also struck in two sizes 100mm and 75mm, of which the 100mm is scarcer. It's struck in bronze, 24k and 14k gold, and gilt bronze.
The obverse features a bust of Chief Justice John Marshall (chief justice of the supreme court between 1801-1835). The motto "TO THE END IT MAY BE A GOVERNMENT OF LAWS AND NOT OF MEN" is contained in the Massachusetts Bill of Rights and written by John Adams. The reverse features a seated image of Justitia holding a scale in her right hand and a downward pointing sheathed sword with her left. Laura Gardin Fraser's monogram appears below Justitia.