FRANKLIN AND MINTS FEATURED ON ANA PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION MEDAL

Famous images of Philadelphia grace the designs for the official medal of the American Numismatic Association's (ANA) 109th Anniversary Convention, August 9-13, 2000.

Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding fathers and Philadelphia's most famous adopted sons, is featured on the obverse of the convention medal designed by former United States Mint sculptor/engraver Joe Winter. No other person in the history of the "City of Brotherly Love" better embodies the spirit of Philadelphia than Franklin. Arriving from Boston at the young age of 17, Franklin went on not only to be an inventor, publisher, diplomat and nation founder, but established the country's first hospital and first subscription library, and the University of Pennsylvania.

The medal's obverse also carries the ANA's "lamp of learning and book of knowledge" logo.

On the reverse of the Anniversary Convention medal, Winter portrays the four Philadelphia buildings that have served as home for the United States Mint: the nation's first mint, established in 1792 at 7th Street and Sugar Alley; the second, which opened in 1833 at Chestnut and Juniper Streets; the third, which began production in 1901 on Spring Garden Street between 16th and 17th Streets; and today's five-acre facility at 5th and Arch Streets, which opened in 1969.

The award-winning Winter received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught at a number of colleges and art schools. As a Mint sculptor/engraver, Winter designed a number of coins and medals, including the reverse of the 1986 Statue of Liberty commemorative half dollar, the reverse of the 1988 Olympic commemorative dollar coin, 1972 and 1973 Assay Commission medals; 1976 United States Marine Corps Bicentennial medal, 1980 Ronald Reagan medal, the engraving of the U.S. Mint gold Eagle bullion coin. A member of a number of sculpting organizations, including the American Medallic Sculpture Association, Winter also has done work for a wide variety of private mints, including the Medallic Art Company, Hoffman Mint, Liberty Mint, Franklin Mint and Medalcraft.

A 2 1/2-inch bronze medal is available by mail or at the convention for $27 (pre-issue price, $25); a numbered, two-piece set (limited to 200) comprised of 1 1/2-inch medals in silver and bronze is $37 (pre-issue price, $35). A convention badge with colorful ribbon drape is $13 (pre-issue price, $12). A convention bar is $4.50, and a starter set for holding convention bars is $12.50. Pre-issue orders must be received at the ANA by July 15, 2000; please add $3.50 postage and handling per order. To obtain additional information or to place an order, telephone the ANA MoneyMarket at toll-free 800/367-9723 or fax to 719/634-4085.