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H
A N D O T H E R R E L A T E D M E M O R A B I L I A
Official Presidential Inaugural Medals
283.
PROPOSED DESIGN FOR THE REVERSE OF THE
OFFICIAL INAUGURAL MEDAL, 2005.
70mm. Bronze.
Unsigned, but executed by Phebe Hemphill, Sc. Edge marked
2004 CORNWELL MINT (Actually struck by the Hoffman
Mint.) Uniface. Uncirculated. Obverse: INAUGURATED
JANUARY 20
TH
2005 around a standing figure of Liberty, her
arms spread, palms out, and holding a laurel branch. She wears
a spiked tiara and stand atop a curved line below which is the
date 2005. Behind the lower portion of the figure is a radiant
partial sun. At top and behind her head is a displayed eagle.
This design was originally intended to be the reverse of an Al
Gore Official Inaugural Medal. Because of time limitations,
sculptors looking to have their designs considered for the
Lot 282
official medal have to do most of their work before the election.
Consequently there are always numerous inaugural designs for
losing candidates. This design was seen by several members of
the Inaugural Medals Committee and much admired. It was
submitted as a reverse only entry for the second term Bush
medal. Even though it was not selected, the Chairman of the
Medals Committee liked it enough to have it included in the
medal sets presented to members of the Medals Committee. At
the time this medal was executed, the sculptor Phebe Hemphill
was a freelancer, having worked for many years for The
Franklin Mint. In 2006 she became a sculptor- engraver at the
United States Mint. An example of this medal was sold in our 81
st
Sale for $184.00. (G)
284.
PROPOSED BARACK OBAMA OFFICIAL INAUGURAL
MEDAL, 2009.
76mm. Bronze. Daniel Altshuler, Sc. (MACO)
Edge marked: “006/250” Choice Unc. Obverse with a
naked bust of Obama facing right with the legend: BARACK
OBAMA INAUGURATED around and JANUARY 20 below
the bust. The reverse legend: PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
Lot 283
replaced with a more traditional design. When we inquired
of Medalcraft about the mintage figures for this medal we
were told the following: “As samples only, no production lots
run. Steve Adams was provided…personal samples, there were
half dozen other samples made for circulation, possibly an
additional 10 units.” The only other specimen we have handled
was on our 81
st
Sale where it realized $373.75.