This is a reverse die for the World War I Victory Medal which was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, who had also designed the Buffalo nickel.

This medal was struck in bronze and is 36 millimeters in diameter. The obverse depicts a winged Victory holding a shield and sword. The reverse has the inscription THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION and the United States coat of arms along with the names of the Allied and Associated Nations.

It is amazing that this uncancelled reverse die from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia has survived for over a century and belongs in a museum or a world class collection.

The medal was looped for a silk ribbon and additional bars could be attached to signify specific battles.

NGC has certified one unique example that was struck in gold and pedigreed to the Steve Tenenbaum Collection.