"Motherhood" Medallion
Artifact IDMO 63.724
Object Type
Medal
Date
1960-1963
Maker
Medallic Art Company
Gifter
Medallic Art Company
Medium
metal; silver? or silver-plated?
DimensionsOverall: 2 in. (5.1 cm)
Physical DescriptionSilver medallion inscribed "Motherhood" depicting a mother holding a baby. Reverse contains relief of a putto at right and engraved names "Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy," "Caroline Bouvier/ Nov. 28, 1957," and John Fitzgerald, Jr. Nov. 25, 1960." Dates are the Kennedy children's birthdays.
Historical NoteThe "Motherhood" medallion was originally designed by Victor David Brenner (1871-1924) in 1899. Brenner later became known for his design for the Lincoln Head penny, still in circulation today. In 1911 "Motherhood" was struck by Joseph K. Davison's Sons as part of a series issued by the Circle of the Friends of the Medallion for purchase by private collectors. It proved the most popular of the medals and was subsequently struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York (1903-2016), becoming one of its stock designs. The medal continued to be issued for years.
A private citizen had this version of the medallion engraved with the names of Jacqueline Kennedy and her children Caroline and John Jr. before sending it to the White House.
Additional DetailsA private citizen had this version of the medallion engraved with the names of Jacqueline Kennedy and her children Caroline and John Jr. before sending it to the White House.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to Jacqueline Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President between 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it 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 SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view