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 Woodrow Wilson / Two Female Figures with Cornucopia / “Second Inauguration March 4, 1917” / “Preparedness Prosperity”
Reverse: Eagle with wings outstretched / Shield / “Woodrow Wilson President” / “Thomas Riley Marshall Vice President” / “1917-1921” / Fasces
Edgemark: R. Harris and Company (or blank)
Size: 51mm
Designer: Darrell C. Crain
Medallist: R. Harris and Company
Mintage: 3 (Gold) / Unknown (Silver) / Unknown (Bronze)
- With the impending onset of the First World War, President Wilson’s Second Inauguration was a subdued event. In fact, the President was privately sworn into office on March 4, a day before the Inauguration.
- The Chairman of the Inaugural Committee, D.J. Callahan noted that “for reasons made manifest to the committee it was decided to recommend to the Inaugural Committee that the usual composition of bronze medals (to the number of some 3,000) be eliminated.” Accordingly, it is unknown how many bronze medals were produced.
- While the Inaugural Committee did not authorize the striking of bronze medals, it appears that R. Harris and Company struck and distributed several. They vary in thickness and in edge-marking.
- Darrell Craig is notable for designing the President’s Cup, awarded annually to the winner of the President’s Cup Regatta.
Presidential Inaugural Medals 