Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Inaugural Medal, 1941
Artifact IDMO 1941.41.3
Object Type
Medal, Commemorative
Artist
Jo Davidson
(American sculptor, 1883-1952)
Designer
John Ray Sinnock
(American sculptor 1888-1947)
Maker
United States Mint
(American, founded 1792)
Date1941
Mediummetal (gold)
Dimensionsoverall Diam 1 5/8 in x D 1/8 in (0.3 cm x 4.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small, round, official medal in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt's 3rd Inauguration in 1941.
OBVERSE: A left-facing high relief profile of the head of FDR with the artist's name on the right side: Jo DAVIDSON / © 1941. The profile is encircled by a raised inscription that reads: ★ FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT ★ / PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
REVERSE: Designed by U.S. Mint chief engraver, John Ray Sinnock, the reverse features raised text encircling the perimeter that reads: THIRD INAUGURATION ★ ★ ★ ★. At the center of the medal is a raised laurel leaf wreath and bow with text at the center that reads: JAN. / 20 / 1941. The number "2" is placed at the open end of the wreath.
Historical Note3,000 copies of this medal were produced in bronze by the U.S. Mint and sold for $1 each. FDR was presented with this unique version of the medal made in gold.OBVERSE: A left-facing high relief profile of the head of FDR with the artist's name on the right side: Jo DAVIDSON / © 1941. The profile is encircled by a raised inscription that reads: ★ FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT ★ / PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
REVERSE: Designed by U.S. Mint chief engraver, John Ray Sinnock, the reverse features raised text encircling the perimeter that reads: THIRD INAUGURATION ★ ★ ★ ★. At the center of the medal is a raised laurel leaf wreath and bow with text at the center that reads: JAN. / 20 / 1941. The number "2" is placed at the open end of the wreath.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
