Press Release

Originally released 1998 "Wolves" Hunt Down Collectors CARMEL, CA - Hoffman Mint, one of the largest private mints in the United States, has recently introduced "WOLVES" their 1998 Calendar Medal. Hoffman Mint in Carmel, CA is the largest private mint in the western United States and has been producing customized medals, coins, tokens and key tags since its founding in 1980. Hoffman mint was even commissioned to strike official medals for President Clinton and President Bush. "WOLVES" is the newest addition to Hoffman Mint's collection of solid bronze calendar medals commemorating North America's threatened animals. This particular medal depicts a beautifully sculpted pair of wolves on the front and contains a meticulously detailed 1998 calendar centered around a howling wolf head on the back. "WOLVES" is the fourth calendar medal in a series that also includes "SEA OTTERS," "BALD EAGLE" and "COUGAR". "We've wanted to recognize the nation's majestic animals in our artwork for a long time, and we thought that a series of calendar medals would be a natural," says Michael Hoffman, president and CEO of the mint. "The calendar is useful and the images of the wolves will remind people throughout the year of the plight of these magnificent animals." The history behind Hoffman's creation actually dates back three centuries. In 1752, John Powell created a calendar medal for the average citizen in order to minimize the confusion caused by England's change from the old Julian calendar to the new Gregorian System. Although Powell's calendars were the first recorded issue of its kind, similar pieces date back to as early as 1684. Calendar medals continued to be popular until the late nineteenth century when paper calendars became easier and less expensive to produce. Originally, calendar medals were only 1-1/2" in diameter, but in 1930, the concept was revived in a 3" version as a medium to display medallic art. Each solid bronze medal has been painstakingly crafted and is a collaboration of the finest artisans in the nation. From Rocco's sculpture, a highly skilled team of Hoffman Mint craftsman created intricately engraved dies with which to strike the 3" diameter, half pound medal. An antique and lacquer finish was then applied for added protection and enhanced appearance. This is a limited edition of only 10,000 "WOLVES", each individually edgemarked with its own serial number and the official hallmark of Hoffman Mint. The 1998 Calendar Medal is packaged in a deluxe gift box and is accompanied by a solid walnut display stand, an educational storycard and a certificate of authenticity. "WOLVES", the 1998 Calendar Medal has a suggested retail price of $29.95. Volume discounts are also available. To order "WOLVES" or any previous calendar medal, or to obtain more information about Hoffman Mint's custom minting services, please contact Hoffman Mint.