The society is affiliated to FIDEM (the Fédération Internationale de la Médaille d’Art).
[1] Mark Jones, the then curator of British Museum Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum, and Ron Dutton, a medallist and sculptor, were key people in forming the society,[2] when its formation was announced in the US periodical Coin World.
[3] BAMS commissions medals from internationally recognised sculptors as well as from students and recent art college graduates.
Its aim is to recognise an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to the understanding, appreciation and encouragement of the art of the medal.
It offers students the challenge of designing and making an art medal on any subject, enabling them to participate in an international art project, learn bronze casting, have a chance to exhibit nationally & internationally, win a prize and have their work published.