Why Were "art Medals" Issued In The First Place?

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Author	Replies: 3 / Views: 2,210
Riddlesden New Member United States 5 Posts	Posted 10/16/2008 12:28 pm Why were "Art Medals" issued in the first place? I have a small collection of 19th/20th century athletic (cycling) Art Nouveau and Art Deco "Art Medals". I have looked up the history of Art Medals but would be interested in your perspective on the subject. Clearly some medals are fashioned as bone fide art forms in their own right, especially those that are cast. However mine are 'strikes" that might have been issued more than once. Why are they issued in the first place? They are not currency or tokens. They were rarely (if ever) given as prizes in competitive athletic events. Some can be considered as "art", others are actually rather mundane. Some might have been commissioned to celebrate an event or an occasion. Some were subsequently purchased (after being struck) for that purpose also. However, these were presumably not very cheap to produce. Who funded their creation and why? The artist? The Mint? Any other thoughts? Report this Post to the Staff

biggfredd Rest in Peace United States 9104 Posts	Posted 10/16/2008 4:39 pm Not all art is universally appealing. Report this Post to the Staff
echizento Moderator United States 23731 Posts	Posted 10/16/2008 5:12 pm to the Forum, It's my understanding that these medals were issued to commemorate and event of some kind (bicycle race, auto race, dog show, etc..). They were made available to those that participated in the event or for spectators to purchase either to help offset the cost of the event or as souvenir. Report this Post to the Staff
TreasHunt Pillar of the Community United States 2540 Posts	Posted 10/25/2008 3:02 pm They were made outside of the mint. Often buy wealthy patrons, to commemorate different events, or individuals. Some were actually given as prizes. Report this Post to the Staff
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Why Were "Art Medals" Issued In The First Place?