Samuel W. Hamilton (1878-1951) served as president of the American Psychopathological Association in 1938. In 1952 an award for distinguished contribution to psychopathology, the study of mental disorders, was established and given annually thereafter until 1992. Anthony de Francisci’s artist’s strike, or sample, represents the obverse of the true medal. To the right of Hamilton’s profile is the caduceus, ancient symbol of the medical profession, with two serpents intertwined around a staff; a different version of the obverse (see 1966.110.56) shows only Hamilton’s portrait. Recipients of the award were honored with a gold-plated bronze version of the final design.
