UNITED STATES. American Society of Medalists. Æ Medal (71mm, 211.2 g, 12h).
Hail to Dionysus. By P. Manship. Struck 1930. HAIL • TO • DIONYSUS • WHO • FIRST • DISCOVERED • / • THE • MAGIC • OF • THE • GRAPE •, head of Dionynus facing slightly left, wearing wreath of grape leaves and grape bunches / Youthful satyrs trampling grapes; large grape bunch to left and right. Alexander 2. EF, or better, with wonderful surfaces.
This is the second issue of the Society of Medalists series (founded in 1928 and active from 1930-1995), and much sought after today as a collectible work of Paul Manship. Its design triggered considerable uproar in a country still officially enforcing Prohibition, as the mischievous artist no doubt satirizes.
