1933 Huey P. Long Toilet Seat Medal. Bronze. Mint State.
38.3 mm x 33.4 mm. Looped for suspension. Obv: Bold Art Deco image of a powerful fist smacking "Kingfish" Huey Long in the face, sending his crown flying. The Latin on the front translates loosely as "A deed on behalf of the public done in the chamber". Rev: Inscribed BY / PUBLIC ACCLAIM / FOR A DEED / DONE IN PRIVATE / SANDS POINT / AUGUST 26 / 1933. Louisiana Senator "Kingfish" Huey Long, a brash, loud, and very controversial politician was attending an event at the posh Sands Point Country Club on Long Island, and -- after downing too many drinks, which was his custom -- headed off to the men's room. In his inebriated condition he had a little difficulty with his aim and ended up urinating on the pant leg of another man sharing the restroom. The other fellow took affront to this and promptly slugged Long in the face, giving him a massive black eye -- much to the delight of the other dinner guests and members of the press attending the gala. A journalist from Collier's Magazine jokingly wrote an article suggesting that for such an act of public service, donations should be collected to issue a gold medal to award to the anonymous assailant. Surprisingly, over $1,000 was raised, quite a sum in the days of the Great Depression. One gold example of this medal was made for the unknown man who punched Long, however no one ever came forth to claim the prize, and it ended up being presented to the American Numismatic Society. A few other examples were made in silver and bronze, but the medal in any fabric is considered very rare today.