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 Franklin D. Roosevelt / “Franklin • Delano • Roosevelt” / “Second Inauguration Jan. 20 1937” / “31st. President” / “1933” / “1941”
Reverse: Profile of Vice President John Garner / “John Nance Garner” / “32nd. Vice President”
Edgemark: N/A
Size: 76mm
Designer: Joseph Atchison
Medallist: Medallic Art Company of New York
Mintage: 2 (Gold) / 2 (Silver) / 1006 (Bronze)
- The 1937 Medal is the first and only inaugural medal to feature portraits on both the obverse and the reverse.
- Likewise, the 1937 Medal is the first and only inaugural medal to have its lettering applied by incuse, rather than by stamping in relief.
- As shown on the obverse, President Roosevelt was sworn into office on January 20. He was the first president to be inaugurated on this constitionally-mandated date (as the 20th Amendment passed during his first term).
- Like the 1933 Medal, the 1937 Medal indicates that President Roosevelt was the 31st president — rather than the 32nd.
Presidential Inaugural Medals 