After 1972, all Bear bows were equipped with a raised gold and chrome medallion. After that, the company switched to nickel-silver or brass coins. Later, aluminum or pewter coins were used. Prior to 1959, all Bear bows sported a copper coin medallion.
This metal object sits flush against the wood of the riser and indicates the year of the bow. The first step to identifying the exact model of a Bear bow is to examine its coin medallion.
