Back in 1962, the American Numismatic Association (
ANA) and the Canadian Numismatic Association (CNA) held their first-ever joint annual Convention. The Convention was held in Detroit, Michigan, August 15-18, 1962. It was hosted at the Sheraton-Cadillac hotel, Detroit's largest hotel, and featured a bourse of over 100 tables and a large exhibit area.
The
ANA traces its roots to 1891; the CNA was founded in 1950. Each had a history of holding annual Conventions, but 1962 was the first year the two organizations joined together for a single event.
To help mark the event, a commemorative medal was created that included design elements representing the US and Canada. The design and sculpt were the work of Marshall M. Fredericks, an artist of international acclaim. The medal was struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York.
The obverse presents a combination of an American Bald Eagle with a Canadian Maple Leaf. In its right talon, the Eagle holds a sprig/branch of laurel, meant to represent "peace."
The medal's reverse design depicts the "Spirit of Detroit" sculpture that Fredericks also created. The sculpture was erected near the main entrance of the 14-story administration tower of the City-County Building (now named the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center). The building is part of Detroit's Civic Center and is located along the Detroit River. The sculpture's kneeling figure is meant to symbolize man's universal spirit. In his left hand, the figure holds a sphere with emanating rays that is symbolic of God, while in its left hand is seen a family (man, woman, child).
The design was struck in bronze and sterling silver (0.925 fine). The medals are 1-5/8 inches in diameter and are serial numbered; the medals in my set are: Silver # 988 and Bronze #899. The bronze versions were priced at $2.50 each, while the silver version were sold at $9.00.
1962 ANA-CNA Convention Medal Set
Posted 12/21/2021 10:28 am
