This design by Harper was chosen as the 100th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series.
The obverse bears three views of a clown's face, neutral, laughing and smiling. Above, LAUGHTER; below, MUSIC FROM THE HEART
The reverse also bears three views of a clown's face, but this time turned away, weeping, and frowning. Above, TEARS; below, PURIFY THE SOUL
This was Linda Harper's first medallic work. She had previously only been (well-)known for her portraits which can be found in collections in California and Hawaii.
She wrote in the brochure that accompanied the medal:
"It is my sincere hope that just as the clown turns from tears to laughter as you rotate the medal, so, in god's wisdom, no matter what your problems today, time will heal all and bring about the realization of life's joy."
This medal is one of three that have the clown as their subject. Both Jean de Marco and Dexter Jones also chose the clown for their designs.
The medal measures 73mm in diameter and was produced by the Medallic Art Company of Danbury, Connecticut. Its reported production quantity is 750 in bronze and 200 in silver.