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Medals
Common, scarce and rare U.S. and world coin medals at Mintmark.com. If you don't see what you're looking for, please contact us. Thank you!
A 'medal' or 'medallion' (large medal; a 'medal' is smaller than a 'medallion') is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific, academic, or various other achievements. Medals may also be created to commemorate particular individuals or events, or even as works of artistic expression in their own right; artists who focus their talents on the creation of medals or medallions are termed a 'medalist'. There are also devotional medals which may be worn as a matter of religious faith. Medals are popular collectible items either as a form of 'exonumia' or of 'militaria phaleristics'. Medallions are occasionally referred to as 'table medals' because they are too large to be worn and can only be displayed on a table top, desk or cabinet. Medals may also be produced in a rectangular shape, though these would more correctly be described as a 'plaque', and a smaller version as a 'plaquette'. In colloquial use, 'medallion' is sometimes improperly used to refer to a pendant of a necklace. It can also be used as a symbol to dignify greatness, especially when awarded on the collegiate level . . . Features — The main or front surface is termed the 'obverse', and may contain a portrait, pictorial scene or other image along with an inscription. The 'reverse', or back surface of the medal, is not always used and may be left blank or may contain a secondary design. It is not uncommon to find only an artistic rendering on the obverse, while all details and other information for the medal are inscribed on the reverse. The rim is found only occasionally employed to display an inscription such as a motto, privy mark, engraver symbol, assayer's marking or a series number . . ." — A MINTMARK.COM VERSION OF MEDAL AT WIKIPEDIA
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