Official Inaugural Medal
Artifact IDMO 96.5
Object Type
Medal, Commemorative
Date
1961
Maker
Paul Manship
(Designer, Medallic Art Company, American, 1885-1966)
Medium
metal
DimensionsOverall Diam 2 3/4 in (7 cm )
Physical DescriptionSilver plated official Inaugural Medal commemorating the inauguration of President Kennedy. 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. 7500 silver medals were struck with the first 10 reserved for members of the President's cabinet. 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.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by a private citizen in 1996.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
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 the user’s responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.
In Collection(s)
On view