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 Lyndon Johnson / “Lyndon Baines Johnson”
Reverse: Presidential Seal superimposed over the outline of the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) / “President of the United States of America”
Edgemark: “Medallic Art Co. N.Y.”
Size: 70mm
Designer: Felix de Weldon
Medallist: Medallic Art Company
Mintage: 2 (Gold) / ~7500 (Silver) / 26,275 (Bronze)
- Felix de Weldon described the obverse design as one intended to show the President’s “dynamic personality, serious as our times demand but also showing the warmth of his heart.”
- The obverse reflects the first time that a President sat for the sculptor preparing the official inaugural medal.
- The reverse depicts a topographical view of the continental United States (along with Alaska and Hawaii) and was inspired by an address by the President: “This young country we love so much…all of us working together…will make America strong and safe and free.” This is the first medal to include a depiction of the United States.
- The First Lady met with Felix de Weldon on three occasions to assist in the design of the medal. Her suggestions are reflected in the decision to depict the left-facing profile of the President and to include Alaska and Hawaii on the reverse.
- Due to a surge in the price of silver, the silver medals were minted in smaller sizes than the bronze (55mm as opposed to 70mm).
- Ten thousand silver medals were authorized, but limited demand resulted in production of fewer than 7,500.
- Felix de Weldon was an acquiantance of the President for nearly 20 years before designing the inaugural medal.
- The medal was distributed nationwide by The Coin and Currency Institute and the Presidential Art Company.
Presidential Inaugural Medals 