the present nypd medal of honor was created on october 23, 1973. early versions of the decoration date as far back as 1871, when the medal of honor was known by a variety of names such as the "police silver medal" and "gold medal of valor". that medal was a silver or gold medal, either of which could be awarded at the discretion of the police commissioners, in the shape of the then shield of the department. on the obverse are the arms of the city of new york, the names of the police commissioners, and the words "municipal police". on the reverse is an inscription describing the act for which the medal was awarded. later that medal was changed to a silver medal in the shape of a police shield. on the obverse is the figure of a draped female placing a wreath upon the head of a police officer. on the reverse is an inscription of the act of bravery and the names of the city's commissioners. the medal hangs from a ring and suspender on which the letters "ny" are interlocked (the current logo of the new york yankees is based on this element of the tiffany-designed medal) and attached to a top bar that is inscribed with the word "valor".