American Numismatic Society, Fourth Membership Medal, 1978.  By Frank Eliscu.  Bronze; 64mm.  Obverse: Stylized barn owl, symbol of knowledge and learning, perched on oak branch; above, MEMBER'S MEDAL; to left, PARVA NE / PEREANT.  Reverse: Oak sapling growing through a rock; around, THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY. Struck by the Medallic Art Company.  Condition: A little light mottling; ABOUT UNCIRCULATED.

This is the 53rd official medal issued by the the American Numismatic Society.  It is the fourth membership medal (the previous membership medals were designed by George H. Lovett, Victor David Brenner, and Gutzon Borglum). 

This medal saw Frank Eliscu integrate the oak leaf cluster motif, long the ANS' logo, in a new way.  His design incorporates the oak leaves as of a sapling that fights its way from the nurturing ground to light and air. Life requires growth, not just in nature but also in numismatic organizations.