ANA honors John M. Mercanti with medallic sculpture award
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) confers its 2001 Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture in recognition of contributions to numismatic art.
This year’s recipient is John M. Mercanti of Deptford, New Jersey. A former sculptor/engraver for the United States Mint, he has contributed much to coinage art over the last 27 years.After attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Philadelphia College of Art and Fleisher Art Memorial School, Mercanti was hired by the Mint in 1974. Among his many works are the 1989 Congress Bicentennial gold $5 coin; 1986 Statue of Liberty silver dollar; the reverse of the 1983 Olympic silver dollar; and the obverses of the 1990 Eisenhower Centennial dollar, 1991 Mount Rushmore gold $5 coin and 1991 Korean dollar.
Mercanti also has designed nearly 30 medals issued by the Mint, including President George Bush’s inaugural medal in 1989, the reverse of the Persian Gulf War medal in 1991; and the obverse of the Bicentennial of the White House medal in 1992. In addition, he created the obverse and reverse designs for the medal struck for the ANA’s 98th Anniversary Convention in Pittsburgh in 1989.
Personally, Mercanti always has demonstrated a kind and generous spirit. Professionally, his many medals reflect a master artist’s skill. In appreciation of his commitment to excellence in medallic sculpture, the American
Numismatic Association presents an engraved, 14kt-gold medal, produced and graciously donated by The Franklin Mint, and expresses the sincere appreciation of its members.