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  • World Population Crisis 1972
    by Sten Jacobsson
    SOM-85.1
    Golden bronze with green-tan patina

    This medal was chosen as the 85th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1972.

    The obverse shows Christ-like figure before vast sylized crowd of dot-headed, box-like bodies in serried ranks.

    The reverse consists of gamboling figures with flying birds; below, S.J. © / 1972

    Artistically, this medal represented acceptance of modern art in the Society of Medalists. Philosophically, its message was an appeal to humanity to think about the problem of over population and the need to get along. He wrote in this "From the Artist":

    "On one side, by showing only a few figures in playful postures, I have attempted to give an impression of the relatively uncrowded world of centuries ago with its pagan joys. On the other side, I present an image of the untold millions of inhabitants of this earth who are living today. Upon this arrangement is imposed a Christ-like figure representing to me, as a Christian, the necessity of exhibiting ethical considerations toward one another."

    The medal measures 73mm in diameter and was struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York. Its reported mintage is 1,333 pieces in bronze.

    SOM-85.1
    Bronze
    73.0mm (2.87in)
    Golden bronze with green-tan patina
    THE SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS 85TH ISSUE - MAY 1972 STEN JACOBSSON, SC.(C)
    MEDALLIC ART CO.N.Y. BRONZE
    SOM-85 Romance Brochure
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American Art Medals, 1909-1995 by David Thomason Alexander
David T. Alexander's book can be purchased at the above link. Highly recommended for anyone interested in SOM. I am deeply indebted to him for all the information I used to document the SOM medals on this site.

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