Heraldic Art Company (HAC) of Cleveland, Ohio (owned by Robert T. McNamara who designed and sculpted almost all of the company's medals) produced an extended series of sterling silver (0.925 fine) commemorative medals between 1959 and 1978; 60 designs in all (62 total silver medals).
The medals matched the size of the US half dollar in diameter but were slightly thicker to avoid issues with the US Secret Service and US Treasury Department. (The thickness was changed in 1959 after HAC issued its first batch of silver medals that matched the US half dollar in diameter and thickness and subsequently brought HAC to the attention of the Treasury Department who directed him to stop matching the US half dollar's size specifications.) The series was meant to be a continuation of the US commemorative coin series, so the fact that McNamara's planned intent was to closely align with the specifications of the US coin was not too surprising.
It also produced a group of "Occasional Series" medals that consists of seven medals issued to mark specific individuals or events. HAC also struck a "Custom Series" (or "Coin Club" series) of medals that were produced for coin clubs. The first such issue was in 1961, the last club issue was in 1976.
Shown here is one of the medals from the "Coin Club" series - the 1974 Daytona Beach Numismatic Club Silver Anniversary commemorative medal.
The medal's obverse features a beach scene with the Atlantic Ocean in the background, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse in the mid-ground and some driftwood in the foreground. The organization's name encircles the central design. Its reverse presents a geographic map of Florida with a seaside dot indicating Daytona Beach's location on Florida's east coast. The club's anniversary years - "1949 - 1974" - are also seen.
I enjoyed collecting the "Commemorative Series" from HAC, as well as its "Occasional Series;" I have complete sets of each. I've never specifically pursued the "Coin Club" series - but couldn't pass up the opportunity when this one presented itself!
1974 Daytona Beach Numismatic Club Silver Anniversary Medal
Posted 08/29/2021 08:19 am
