This coin is part of a 53 GEM PROOF Medal set from the National Commemorative Society. In the Spring of 1964, the NCS introduced a new concept to coin collectors - a monthly set of commemorative GEM PROOF Sterling silver coin-medals honoring subjects selected by the membership at large.
This is part of a unique set, in that the subject for each medal was chosen by members of the National Commemorative Society and a medal for that subject was then designed and minted by the Franklin Mint - made to order instead of the normal Franklin Mint designing the medals and then selling them.
This concept was later used for individual issues, but none on the scale of this set. It is also one of the longest running sets in Franklin Mint history - medals were issued one/month for over 12 years. Partial sets are more common; complete sets are rare.
Each issue was designed and sculptured by a distinguished artist and limited in edition to one sterling silver proof for each member. Until the 51st issue, three platinum proofs of each coin-medal were struck for presentation and exhibition.
The number for each coin is etched in the blank spot on the edge.
Please see our selection of these beautiful coins in our store HERE