Jewish-American Hall of Fame Medals
Collector's Guide

The non-profit Jewish-American Hall of Fame supports its award-winning web site and other educational projects through the sale of limited edition art medals created by outstanding sculptors. Almost all of the medals are uniquely shaped rounded trapezoidal shape, over 2 inches diameter (weighing about 2 ½ oz.). The Haym Salomon and Columbus medals are round, 2 ¼diameter (weighing about 3 ½ oz.). Beginning in 2024, medals are 3 ½inch diameter, cast in bonded bronze. Two special issues are listed -- commemorating Ruth Bader Ginsburg (round, 1 ½ diameter, 1 oz. pure silver) and 350 Years of Jewish Life in America (round, 3 diameter, 8 oz.). All medals (except 1993 Ginsburg) are individually serial numbered on the edge.

These medals were made in very limited editions, with many under 100 pieces; most are sold out and many others are nearly sold out. The following list indicates the quantities of each medal made in various metals. If there are any medals that you might want, contact directorjahf@yahoo.com to see if they are available. Otherwise, you can check offerings on www.ebay.com.

CLICK ON THE SUBJECT TO SEE PICTURE OF MEDAL AND READ BIOGRAPHICAL/ HISTORICAL INFORMATION.

		Who's Who in the Jewish-American Hall of Fame, Featuring Over 50 Illustrated Biographies by Mel Wacks. The biographies reveal how Emma Lazarus' sonnet "The New Colossus" became a permanent part of the Statue of Liberty - even though she did not live long enough to see it; Irving Berlin wrote "God Bless America," America's unofficial national anthem, and many other popular songs - even though he couldn't read or write music; Dr. Jonas Salk did not become rich from the discovery of the Polio vaccine - he chose to not patent the vaccine or seek any profit from it in order to maximize its global distribution; future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg - along with the other eight female students at Harvard Law School - were asked by the dean why they were occupying seats that would be otherwise filled by men; the young Dov-Ber Rasovsky was a rabbinical student - but he changed his name to Barney Ross and eventually became a boxing champion; etc. Click here to order for $19.95
		Medals of the Jewish-American Hall of Fame 1969-2019 by Mel Wacks. From 1969 to 2019, Jewish-American Hall of Fame medals have been issued - finding homes in collections, museums, etc. around the world - becoming the longest continuing series of non-government art medals currently being issued in the United States. This book also includes back stories of the medals - including correspondence with the medalists and preliminary art work - adding to the appreciation of the final works of art. Mintages and mints are indicated for the benefit of collectors. In addition, the reader will find pictures and mintage data for over three dozen additional special medals commissioned by the Jewish-American Hall of Fame. Click here to order for $33.50
		The Handbook of Biblical Numismatics : 45th Anniversary Edition by Mel Wacks. Features over 150 coins in full color, 20 maps, and over 50 Biblical quotes. Readers will also find enlarged photos of small coins and estimated coin values by Ira Goldberg. While it is still easily read by the novice, it also contains the latest theories of experts in the field on controversial subjects like the bud (pomegranate or poppy?) appearing in between double cornucopia on Hasmonean coins, the vessel (chalice or pot of manna?) and budding plant (pomegranates or Aaron's rod?) on First Revolt Shekels, the star (Bar Kochba = "Son of the Star" or the golden candelabrum donated by Queen Helena) above the Temple on the sela issued during the Second Revolt, etc. The coins mentioned in the New Testament also receive attention - the Widow's Mite, Tribute Penny and Thirty Pieces of Silver. Click here to order for $29.50