This article is taken from the February 2011 issue of The Numismatist by Larry Johnson & Barbara Gregory
Two medals struck in the 1930's are like day and night.
Quite honestly, the silver-plated medal issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of General Motors in 1933 is one of the most beautiful examples of the Art Deco style I have seen. Springing from the imagination of Norman Bel Geddes (1893-1958), the design features an abstract vehicle in motion, with a tall, winglike element lending a feeling of speed and movement. The reverse shows a stylized piston. Bel Geddes was trained as a theatrical set designer, but is best known for another General Motors project- the "Futurama" exhibition at the 1939 New York World's Fair. 
In stark contrast is the medal struck to celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Broadcasting Company (NBC) in 1936. The Art Deco flavor is apparent, and the style of the lettering along the reverse perimeter is very similar, but the piece is as heavy and drab as the General Motors specimen is ethereal. Nevertheless, the NBC medal exudes a sense of strength and is not without its charm. In some respects, it serves as a bridge between the Art Deco and Modernist movements. Together, they make a powerful statement.
Two medals struck in the 1930's are like day and night.
Quite honestly, the silver-plated medal issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of General Motors in 1933 is one of the most beautiful examples of the Art Deco style I have seen. Springing from the imagination of Norman Bel Geddes (1893-1958), the design features an abstract vehicle in motion, with a tall, winglike element lending a feeling of speed and movement. The reverse shows a stylized piston. Bel Geddes was trained as a theatrical set designer, but is best known for another General Motors project- the "Futurama" exhibition at the 1939 New York World's Fair. 
In stark contrast is the medal struck to celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Broadcasting Company (NBC) in 1936. The Art Deco flavor is apparent, and the style of the lettering along the reverse perimeter is very similar, but the piece is as heavy and drab as the General Motors specimen is ethereal. Nevertheless, the NBC medal exudes a sense of strength and is not without its charm. In some respects, it serves as a bridge between the Art Deco and Modernist movements. Together, they make a powerful statement.
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