This medal was chosen as the 71st issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1965.
The obverse bears two Eskimo men, one ice fishing, tomcod near hole, one chopping ice blocks for a house. Around upper left, ALASKA
The reverse bears two Hawaiian women, one grinding poi, one mending floor mat. Around upper right, HAWAII; in lower left, signed GRIGOR / ©
In her message "From the Artist" Grigor wrote:
"Since it will be many years before either of our newest states, Alaska and Hawaii, will be able to celebrate an anniversary of statehood... I wanted to celebrate their addition to the Union. To me the most interesting characteristic of both new states is that each has brought into our country a new and different culture and way of life."
Members' reaction to the medal was enthusiasticly positive.
The medal measures 73mm in diameter and was produced by the Medallic Art Company of New York. The reported mintage is 909 pieces in bronze.
