"A medal has been issued to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Flushing Coin Club. The medal was designed by artist Joel Iskowitz who designed dozens of coins and medals as part of the U.S. Mint Infusion Program."

The Flushing Coin Club of Long Island, NY, was founded in 1964. Its early records are in the American Numismatic Society Archives. -Editor

"When I was asked by Dr. David Menchell and the board members of the Flushing Coin Club to design the obverse and reverse commemorating the 60th Anniversary of this venerable organization, I was not only was honored and delighted, I also felt that this was a special commission, as I have enjoyed a strong personal sense of kinship to the club's members and activities.

"Over the past number of years, past president Jack Mattes invited me to present my artwork at both the members meetings (where I had the pleasure of meeting the club's leadership, Peter Sugar, Joe Marchitelli, Bob Skaretka and others) as well as annual appearances and lectures to the Young Numismatists at NYINC.

"Needless to say I felt that these connections and shared experiences would lend an element of authenticity and resonance to my design.

"As to the design itself, I chose to use an allegory emblematic of Liberty, History and Fraternity, tenets which are at the foundation of this club's charter. In her right hand, she holds the club's 30th Anniversary medal aloft as well as a wreath of laurels in her other hand, behind her is a sunburst symbolizing the spread of enlightenment and well being that comes from sharing art, history, and knowledge. among the numismatic community. She is also a winged goddess as, much like Mercury the messenger, she signifies the importance that medallic imagery is a timeless, global , circulating language of cultural exchange without borders or boundaries.

"The reverse is simply a reiteration of the Flushing Coin club's long standing Eagle reverse, with my heraldic stylization."

"There were previously two anniversary medals struck by the club. The first was for our 30th anniversary in 1994 when I was president. I actually designed the medal, which has our club logo with an eagle with raised wings, and an image of the Unisphere, one of the symbols of the 1964-65 World's Fair, which was held locally in Flushing Meadow Park. For the 60th anniversary, we thought we would do something a bit more elaborate, so we asked Joel Iskowitz to design the medal. Joel is a friend to several of the New York area clubs, and aside from his work for the U.S. Mint has designed medals for the New York Numismatic Club and Bronx Coin Club.

"The medal was struck by Medalcraft Mint, limited to 25 in bronze and 25 in nickel silver. There are still a few available at $150 each, or the pair for $290, plus $15 for shipping and insurance. Anyone interested can email the club treasurer, Henry Lynn at Flushingcoinclub@gmail.com."