Kennedy Half Dollar Mounted in Quartz Crystal and Gold as Paperweight
Artifact IDMO 2006.5
Object Type
Sculpture
Date
coin minted: 1964
Maker
United States Mint
Maker
David Webb Inc.
(Founded 1948, New York)
Medium
Silver, 18K gold, quartz
DimensionsOverall H 4 1/2 in x W 3 3/4 in x D 7 in (11.4 cm x 9.5 cm x 17.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionJohn F. Kennedy half dollar proof mounted into center of a natural quartz crystal; coin is framed by gold rays projecting outward. Around the coin's upper rim is the word "Liberty"; "In God we trust" is embossed across lower portion with mint date underneath. The entire piece of quartz is set into a gold base with a rococo-style cloud design curling up around bottom. The underside of the gold base is engraved in Mrs. Kennedy's handwriting: "Thank You Douglas love Jackie".
Historical NoteThe half dollar proof used in this paperweight was given to former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy by C. Douglas Dillon, who had been appointed the 57th Secretary of the Treasury by President Kennedy on January 21, 1961; Dillon served in this position until April 1, 1965. The design of the coin was based on the profile portrait of the president used on the Inaugural Medal.
Jacqueline Kennedy in turn hired jeweler David Webb Inc. to create a decorative setting for the coin. (Webb had designed a number of paperweights for Mrs. Kennedy as state gifts). The finished piece was presented to Dillion as a gift, complete with an engraved facsimile of Mrs. Kennedy’s handwritten message on the bottom. Dillon's second wife, Susan "Suzzie" Slater, donated the coin paperweight to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum after her husband's death.
Additional DetailsJacqueline Kennedy in turn hired jeweler David Webb Inc. to create a decorative setting for the coin. (Webb had designed a number of paperweights for Mrs. Kennedy as state gifts). The finished piece was presented to Dillion as a gift, complete with an engraved facsimile of Mrs. Kennedy’s handwritten message on the bottom. Dillon's second wife, Susan "Suzzie" Slater, donated the coin paperweight to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum after her husband's death.
Custodial History NoteThe half dollar proof was given to Mrs. Kennedy by the Secretary of the Treasury, Douglas Dillon who was appointed by President Kennedy. Mrs. Kennedy had David Webb Inc. set the coin into the decorative base and she then gave it back to Mr. Dillon as a gift. Mrs. Douglas Dillon donated the coin to the John F. Kennedy Library after her husband's death.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Mrs. Douglas Dillon
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 StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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