The Magnificent Six Medals of Toivo Johnson, Part 2

[greysoldier]

Continuing from Part 1, the fourth medal was for Christian Gobrecht, struck and copyrighted in 1963.

 

 

 

The obverse design taken from Gobrecht's dollar.

 

 

The Fifth medal was a tribute to the Greek artist Euainetos, also struck and copyrighted in 1963.

 

 

 

The obverse design from the Decadrachm of Syracuse.

 

 

The final medal was a combination for James B. Longacre and George Morgan, struck and copyrighted in 1964.

 

 

 

The obverse from the Indian Head Cent and Morgan Dollar.

 

 

 

So now you know the story of these medals should you see them. By the way, each was also cast in copper.

[physics-fan3.14]

Ha-ha, these are even more cartoonish than the other group.

[greysoldier]

Hi Physics ~ glad you enjoyed the show !

[RWB]

Agreed, Physics-Fan3,14. (I prefer Bugs Bunny...) Poor Euainetos...he deserves better.

 

These and so many other numismatic medals - past and current - help us to understand how difficult it is to produce high quality bas reliefs.

 

I'm sure Johnson meant well and thought he was paying for good work. But the crooked lettering, goofy eyes, poor relief handling, screwy stars and a multitude of other ineptitudes testify that the “artist” was not even of “Grade C” skill. Most modern private “mint” products are no better. (There’s another thread with a couple of contemporary examples of talentless “artistry.”)