Definition

• Official.  A medal authorized and issued by a public agency – an organization, group, or branch of government with authority to act. Official medals are usually prepared
  at public expense and recently provide some fund-raising benefits for the sponsoring organization when sold to the public. In 1713 and early official medal was struck for
  the Peace of Utrecht bearing the portrait of Queen Anne of England (1665-1702-14); it was distributed to members of Parliament and others. In modern times official medals have been imitated because of their great public interest.  See Authorized, unofficial, imitation, copies and reproductions, also copyrighted, patented. registered or licensed medals.
      

  excerpted with permission from

  An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

  For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

  COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

  Roger W. Burdette, Editor

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