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 • Fourth Inauguration 1945” / “Jo Davidson”
Reverse: Ship of State / “Thou Too Sail On O Ship of State Sail on O Union Strong and Great”
Edgemark: N/A
Size: 45mm
Designer: Jo Davidson
Medallist: United States Mint
Mintage: 2 (Gold) / 2 (Silver) / 3,500 (Bronze)
- Unlike the preceding three inaugurations, President Roosevelt’s fourth inaugural was austere. The president was sworn into office on the south portico of the White House with limited fanfare.
- Jo Davidson was commissioned for the second time to design a Roosevelt inaugural medal, having crafted the 1941 Medal.
- The reverse repeats the Ship of State motif first employed on President Roosevelt’s first inaugural medal.
- The Inaugural Committee commissioned the production of 3,500 bronze medals, which sold out instantly for $2.00 each. Records indicate that contemporary collectors were reselling the medals for $25.00 a piece.
- Although a gold medal was produced for President Roosevelt, he did not receive it before his death.
Presidential Inaugural Medals 