Sailing Into the Semiquincentennial

JOEL ISKOWITZ DESIGNED MEDAL FOR SAIL4TH 250

- BY MIKE GAROFALO

When renowned numismatic artist Joel Iskowitz set out to design a commemorative medal for America's high-profile 250th birthday celebration he faced an extraordinary challenge: capturing in metal both the spectacle of the largest international maritime gathering in U.S. history and the profound meaning of American independence. The resulting masterwork conveys dignity, patriotism and profound symbolism.

The events unfolding in New York Harbor from July 3-9, 2026 will feature more than 60 international tall ships from over 20 nations as part of Sail4th 250, a multi-city, tall-ship tour celebrating America's Semiquincentennial. The New York celebration, organized by Sail4th 250, will host these vessels alongside 40+ U.S. and allied naval vessels, including a British aircraft carrier and Cunard's Queen Mary 2. On July 4, an International Parade of Sail will feature the world's largest and most majestic tall ships sailing past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River. More than 100 aircraft, led by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, will accompany the maritime procession.

Iskowitz brings unparalleled credentials to this commission. With 54 designs struck as coins or Congressional medals by the United States Mint, he stands among the most prolific numismatic artists in American history. His work includes the New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal presented to Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin as well as Mercury astronaut John Glenn. His designs have been featured at the Smithsonian Institution, the Pentagon and NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

The events unfolding in New York Harbor from July 3-9, 2026 will feature more than 60 international tall ships from over 20 nations as part of Sail4th 250, a multi-city, tall-ship tour celebrating America's Semiquincentennial.”