Paul C. Balan National Humanities Medal design


WINNER: Best Design

The centerpiece of this design for the National Endowment for the Humanities is Lady Liberty. She is symbolic of freedom as well as our long held values of generosity and compassion. The diadem worn by Lady Liberty contains 13 spikes representative of the original 13 colonies. In her right arm she is depicted cradling a sheaf of wheat which symbolizes prosperity to be shared with all of mankind. The quill that she holds in her right hand symbolizes knowledge which is chronicled in the open journal displayed on her lap. To her right is a dove which is the messenger of peace; the strand of wheat in its beak a symbol of gratitude. In her left hand, Lady Liberty is depicted clutching a lamp that represents the light of wisdom.

Medal Finishing suggestion: Gold plated with Brown patina