Contact: Dr. Daniel Harmelink, International Association of Reformation Coins and Medals, 714-642-5458

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., and BADEN-BADEN, Germany, Nov. 18, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The International Association of Reformation Coins and Medals (IARCM), a non-profit society dedicated to promoting the history and teachings of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation through numismatics, is pleased to announce that its partnership with renowned German medallist Victor Huster has resulted in a beautifully handcrafted 34mm diameter art-medal commemorating the birth of one of the most prominent leaders of American Lutheranism: Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (October 25th, 1811 -- May 7, 1887), pastor, theologian, author, and first president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Photo: Master plaster pattern hand-carved by medallist Victor Huster. Design © IARCM and Victor Huster

Dr. Daniel Harmelink, Lutheran pastor, graphic artist and president of the IARCM, announced today that "this commemorative medal of C.F.W. Walther not only brings together portraits of C.F.W. Walther and Martin Luther, two great personalities of the Lutheran Reformation, but the words of Scripture, the words of the Augsburg Confession and the writings of Walther -- all highlighting the necessity of rightly distinguishing between the Law and the Gospel in Holy Writ. Through the artistic skill of Mr. Victor Huster, one of Europe's most recognized contemporary medallists, this medal, struck in tombac (a copper/zinc alloy) will be a witness to the great contributions of C.F.W. Walther as he remained faithful to the truths of Scriptures reflected in the teachings of the Reformation."

The obverse presents a portrait of Dr. Walther and one of the most famous quotes from his book on Law and Gospel. Included in the legend in larger letters is a natural chronogram revealing the year of Walther's birth (1811) in Roman numerals (MDCCCXI). Also included on the obverse are the dates of Walther's birth and death (depicted in a traditional way, using Roman numerals for the month).

The reverse is a portrait of Martin Luther with doctor's cap based on a painting by Lukas Cranach. Around the portrait is a quote from the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, one of the major Lutheran confessional documents (Ap IV.5) along with a quotation from Saint Paul (Romans 3:28). The dates of Luther’s birth and death are also given on either side of the Reformer's likeness.

Each 34mm diameter, 27.5 gram medal of the 100 piece limited edition is created in the Baden-Baden studio of Mr. Victor Huster, hand-numbered, and placed in a quality black presentation box.

Harmelink states that, "These medals are not only for the Reformation medal collector, but are suitable as high-quality gifts for any student of Walther, Luther and the truths of Scripture re-discovered in the Reformation. In an age when fewer and fewer Christians understand how to read the Bible in a God-pleasing way, these medals stand as a constant reminder of the highest Christian art: rightly dividing Law and Gospel in the Word of God given through the prophets and apostles."

Each medal in this limited edition is priced at USD $48.00, plus the cost of shipping. Checks drawn from a U.S. bank can be made to "Daniel Harmelink" and orders can be sent to Dr. Harmelink via: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 16351 Springdale Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 USA.

"It is our hope that these designs by Victor Huster will strike a renewed interest in Walther, Luther and the Reformation," Harmelink says.  "The Lutheran Church enjoys a rich legacy of promoting the best in the fine arts to communicate the truths of the Word of God and the history of the Christian Church with as many people as possible.  I believe this art-medal continues that tradition in a new and exciting way."

The IARCM maintains a website of resources on Reformation numismatics, sponsors the writing and translation of articles, and encourages museums and collectors in North America and Europe to present the history and beliefs of the Reformation through innovative exhibits and printed resources that include numismatics.

For an order form, or more details about the IARCM and this new C.F.W. Walther art-medal, please visit www.iarcm-igmmr.org, send an email message to: dr.harmelink@iarcm-igmmr.org or call Dr. Harmelink at his Huntington Beach, California office at: 00-1-714-642-5458.

For more information about Mr. Victor Huster and his achievements as an art-medallist and international designer of coins, please visit www.victor-huster.de, send an email message to: info@victor-huster.de or call Mr. Huster at his Baden-Baden Studio at +49 7221 25001.