J. Sanford Saltus (1853-1922)

J. Sanford Saltus was born on March 9, 1853 in New Haven, Connecticut.  A numismatist of renown, Saltus established the medal award named in his honor in 1913.  In addition, he also established the John Sanford Saltus annual prize at the National Academy of Design for the best work in painting or sculpture and the annual award at the Académie des Beaux Arts in Paris.

Saltus's association with the ANS was substantial.  He joined the Society as a life member in 1892 and served as the Society's Corresponding Secretary from 1900-05 and its Second Vice-President from 1907-09.  In addition, he was a member of the governing Council from its inception in 1906 through 1916.  In 1918, he was named Honorary Councillor for Life.  During his tenure with the Society, Saltus was instrumental in the significant production of medals which the Society commissioned in the first two decades of the 20th century.

Saltus was also serving as president of the British Numismatic Society and the New York Numismatic Club at the time of his death.  He died on June 24, 1922 in London, England, after drinking from a glass of poison he accidentally mistook for ginger ale.

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