John Fitzgerald Kennedy Official Inaugural Medal
Artifact IDMO 63.4855
Object Type
Medal, Commemorative
Date
1961
Date Presented1/27/61
Designer
Paul Manship
(Designer, Medallic Art Company, American, 1885-1966)
Maker
Medallic Art Company
Medium
14K gold, lucite
DimensionsOverall H 5 1/2 in x W 4 1/2 in x D 4 1/2 in (14 cm x 11.4 cm x 11.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionSingle mintage, 14K gold Inaugural Medal, encased in lucite. Obverse has low relief profile of President Kennedy facing left with raised inscription above "John Fitzgerald Kennedy". Reverse shows the Presidential Seal and "Inaugurated January 20th 1961" below. An official medal is struck every four years to commemorate the Inauguration of the President of the United States. One medal is struck in gold and presented to the President. The design of the medal is traditional in that its face bears only a profile portrait of President John F. Kennedy, and his name. On the obverse is the Presidential Seal, which is making its first appearance on an Inaugural Medal. Previously, the Seal of the United States has been used on Medals.
Historical NotePresented to President Kennedy by Bruce Sundlun (co-chairman of the Inaugural Parade Committee) and Edward Foley (chairman of the Inaugural Committee) in the Oval Office on January 27, 1961.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.On view
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