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” / “President of the United States of America”
Reverse: “Jan. 20 1941” / Oak Leaves / “Third Inauguration” / Stars / Type 2: “2”
Edgemark: N/A
Size: 42mm
Designer: Jo Davidson
Medallist: United States Mint
Mintage: 1 (Gold) / 2 (Type 1 Silver) / 1000 (Type 1 Bronze) / 2000 (Type 2 Bronze)
- The Inaugural Committee authorized the production of 1,000 bronze medals to be sold at $1.00 each. This first run (“Type 1”) sold out immediately.
- Following the success of Type 1, the Inaugural Committee commissioned an additional 2,000 bronze medals — in two 1,000 medal batches (“Type 2”). Type 2 Medals were designated as such by the inclusion of the number “2” on the reverse.
- Jo Davidson — a notable sculptor and personal friend of President Roosevelt — was selected to design the 1941 Medal. Davidson indicated that he sought to capture President Roosevelt in a state of concentration.
- Only two silver medals were produced — one for Davidson and one for the Chair of the Inaugural Committee, Nellie Taylor Ross.
Presidential Inaugural Medals 