Society of Medalists Issue #83 – “Unleashing the Atom” by Hal Reed (1971)
Bronze Medal with Original Box – Medallic Art Company
A powerful and thought-provoking example from the prestigious Society of Medalists series. This is the 83rd issue, released in May 1971, designed by California sculptor Hal Reed.
Design
The obverse features four rugged, conjoined portraits of the pioneering scientists who advanced our understanding of the atom:
Albert Einstein – Ernest Rutherford – Niels Bohr – Otto Hahn.
The reverse presents a dramatic allegorical scene of two muscular male figures—one still shackled, the other breaking free from his bonds—symbolizing the release of atomic energy. The legend above reads “UNLEASHING THE ATOM”, with the artist’s monogram and copyright date at lower right.
Struck in high relief by the renowned Medallic Art Company of New York, the medal measures approximately 73 mm (2⅞ inches) in diameter and displays a rich golden bronze finish with tan patina. This example comes with its original box.
Details
- Issue: Society of Medalists #83
- Year: 1971
- Sculptor: Hal Reed
- Manufacturer: Medallic Art Company (MaCo)
- Composition: Bronze
- Diameter: approx. 73 mm
- Includes original box
Created during a period of intense interest in nuclear energy as a solution to the energy crisis of the early 1970s, this medal captures both the promise and the power of the atomic age. A strong, sculptural piece that appeals to collectors of Society of Medalists issues, science-themed medals, and mid-20th-century American medallic art.
Please review the photographs carefully for the exact condition of the medal and box. The item shown is the exact piece you will receive.
