A detailed guide to the Medals can be found here — The Book. Also, the Medals are discussed on this Coin World podcast and this Newman Numismatic Portal Symposium presentation.
Obverse: Profile of President Theodore Roosevelt / “Theodore • Roosevelt” / “President of the United States of America” / “AEQVVM CVIQVE”
Reverse: Standing Eagle / “Washington DC March IV M C M V” / “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
Edgemark: N/A
Size: 74mm
Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Medallist: Tiffany & Company
Mintage: 2 (Gold) / 0 (Silver) / 120 (Bronze)
- President Roosevelt’s 1905 inauguration featured two official inaugural medals.
- The Inaugural Committee authorized Joseph K. Davison’s Sons to strike a bronze medal, designed by Morgan and Barber. Additionally, Roosevelt requested that Augustus Saint-Gaudens design a second commemorative medal, depicted above.
- Citing a busy schedule, Saint-Gaudens enlisted the assistance of Adolph Weinman (who later designed the winged Liberty dime). Records suggest that the composition of the 1905 Medal is that of Saint-Gaudens, while the engraving and detailed design work fell to Weinman.
- Saint-Gaudens insisted the medal be struck by either Tiffany & Co. or Gorham Manufacturing Company. President Roosevelt consented to the use of the former.
- The obverse features a bust of President Roosevelt and a Greek inscription (“Aequum Cuique”) meaning “To each, that which is equitable.”
Presidential Inaugural Medals 