Commems Collection Medals: 1962 First National City Bank 150th Anniversary

It was not uncommon in the 20th Century for corporations to commission commemorative medals for important company milestone anniversaries. Here are a few I've discussed previously:

- 1927 B & O Railroad Centennial
- 1951 Eaton Chemicals - Detroit 250th Anniversary
- 1953 Ford Motor Company 50th Anniversary
- 1986 Coca-Cola Centennial Celebration

In 1962, First National City Bank joined the club and issued an attractive commemorative medal to help mark its 150th anniversary. The obverse presents an allegorical male figure representing the "American Spirit." On the medal's reverse, the "Tree of Service" is at center with the bank's emblem in its branches. (Complete descriptions of the medal's designs can be found in the first leaflet image below.)

The medal was designed by award-winning sculptor Enrique (Enric) Monjo. Monjo was born in Spain in 1895 (some sources state 1896) in Vilassar de Mar, Spain; he died in Barcelona, Spain in 1976. Monjo trained in Europe, primarily in Spain, and taught at the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona between 1923 and 1961 (initially as a lecturer, later as a professor). He received many international commissions, including multiple works in Washington, DC and multiple projects for First National City Bank (the medal presented here was just one).

1962 First Nartonal City Bank 150th Anniversary Medal


The unnumbered bronze medal has a diameter of three inches (76.5 mm) and a weight of ~8.7 ounces (~248 grams).The medal was struck by the Medallic Art Company (MACO) of New York. It incorporates high-relief design elements on both of its sides.

The medal was accompanied by an informational leaflet that provide details about the medal's designs, its designer and a chronological list of "Landmark =" events in the Bank's history. I've included scans of the leaflet below.

1962 First National City Bank Medal - Information Leaflet / Top Front


1962 First National City Bank Medal - Information Leaflet / Bottom Front


1962 First National City Bank Medal - Information Leaflet / Top Back


1962 First National City Bank Medal - Information Leaflet / Bottom Back


The example in my collection appears to have been a presentation piece vs. a commercially available souvenir. The medal was likely given/sent to select clients and customers as a token of gratitude for their continued business, as well as to long-time employees.

Here's the small leaflet that was included with my "appreciation" medal:

1962 First National City Bank Medal - Presentation Leaflet - Exterior Panels


1962 First National City Bank Medal - Presentation Leaflet - Interior Panels


The medal is fairly common, with multiple examples typically found on ebay and other on-line commerce sites.

I haven't yet found an advertisement for the medal, so I don't know for sure of its general market availability at the time or of its potential selling price. If anyone has such details, I would appreciate learning more!


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see: Commems Collection.