1915 The Cullum Geographical Medal. Gold. 69.7 mm. 123.5 grams. 10 karats. Designed by L. F. Einmer, Engraved by Victor David Brenner. Smedley-23. Mint State. Obv: Young man standing at the bow of a small boat, hand shading his eyes, studying the details of the unknown land he is approaching. The inscription THE AMERICAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK surrounds. Rev: Female figure, one hand on a globe and the other offering a laurel branch, standing in front of a tablet inscribed with the name of the recipient J. RUSSELL SMITH / MCMLVI. The reverse inscription THE CULLUM GEOGRAPHICAL MEDAL surrounds this scene. In exergue :L. F. EINMER INV. V.D.BRENNER FC. Edge: MEDALLIC ART CO. N.Y. 10K. Light hairlines are detectable under low magnification, but there are no significant abrasions to the fields or rims. The Cullum Geographical Medal is one of the oldest awards of the American Geographical Society, established in the will of George Washington Cullum, once vice president of the Society, and is awarded on an occasional basis. First awarded in 1896 and most recently in 2014 to individuals as diverse as polar explorer Robert Peary and lunar explorer Neil Armstrong. Over the years this medal has been awarded only 69 times. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
