The third annual United Nations Peace Medal was officially issued on United Nations Day - October 24, 1973. This date is set aside each year to mark the international anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations charter in 1946.
The medal design depicts a dove in flight, carrying a branch. The dove appears against the outline of a world globe and the word "Peace" inscribed in the five official languages of the United Nations - Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. The design was sculptured by American medallist Norman Nemeth. The reverse side carries the seal of the United Nations, the words "United Nations" in the five U.N. languages, the year 1973 and the mintmark of The Franklin Mint, the exclusive minter of United Nations commemorative medals.
The 1973 Peace Medal was also struck in gold and in silver for official presentation by Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim to Heads of State and other notables.
