ERIC NEWMAN CENTENNIAL MEDALS AVAILABLE

On the occasion of reaching life's centennial year, Eric Newman has also been honored for his numismatic books. Author of 13 notable works in the numismatic field, his family chose the theme of Eric's contribution to numismatic literature to appear on the numismatic works that chronicles the marvelous milestone this Saint Louis numismatist has reached.

The American Numismatic Society commissioned a plaquette be issued bearing Newman's portrait and a scene sitting in a library by a window on the reverse. The plaquette was created by Philadelphia sculptor Amy Kann.

The Rittenhouse Society of numismatic scholars of which Newman was an early member issued a more customary format of a circular medal. The obverse shows Newman facing left, reflective of looking into past history. The portrait is flanked by symbols of a quill pen and scholar's lamp, indicating his writing and educational efforts in the numismatic field.

The reverse not only shows the 13 books Newman wrote in his lifetime, but also carries their names on the spines.in raised lettering. One is in scrip lettering as on the spine of the published book.

Also on the reverse is a tiny statuette of David Rittenhouse and on the top shelf is an open book caring Rittenhouse's portrait from Charles Wilson Peale's painting in the exergue. The reverse was designed by Joel Iskowitz, seasoned designer of coins and medals. Both sides were modeled by sculptor Luigi S. Badia, also a seasoned artist in the medallic field.

The medals in bronze and silver were struck by Medallic Art Company of Dayton, Nevada. They were made from 14-inch models which allowed for exceptionally fine detail, particularly in the silver version which was rendered in full proof surface. The detail is so fine, a viewer can see the hairs in the eyebrows of the Rittenhouse portrait on the tiny statuette on the top shelf.

The bronze medals were given a special Old English patina, specially chosen to last for a 100 years. The patina was applied by Hugo Greco of Greco Industries of Bethel Connecticut.

Both bronze and silver are available, individually or as a set. Bronze $45, silver $245, the set $285, all postpaid. They can be ordered from Rittenhouse Society medal Chairman, Dick Johnson, 139 Thompson Drive, Torrington, CT 06790. He can be reached at dick.johnson@snet.net

Wayne Homren, Editor

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