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STACK'S BOWERS: MEDICUS PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL MEDALSStack's Bowers will be selling the Medicus Collection of Presidential Inaugural Medals as part of their June 2026 Showcase Auction, held from June 15-22. Select items are discussed below. -Garrett 
Undated (ca. 1872) Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Medal. Julian PR-14. Silver. MS-63 (PCGS). 45.6 mm. 650.7 grains. Both sides are deep gray in color with lovely iridescent blue and rose toning. Extremely rare: Carl Carlson's research suggests only eight were struck in this metallic composition. We can only recall handling two since the turn of the 21st century, the primary Ford specimen, reoffered here, and Mr. Ford's second example that reappeared in our March 2021 Auction, where it realized $5,040 in a PCGS Specimen-64 holder. Provenance: From the Medicus Collection of Presidential Inaugural and Related Medals. Earlier ex Wayte Raymond estate; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part IX, May 2005, lot 19.
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Classic Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal by Saint-Gaudens Ex Neil MacNeil MCMV (1905) Theodore Roosevelt Official Inaugural Medal. By Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Dusterberg-OIM 2B74, MacNeil-TR 1905-2, Levine-TR 1905-2, Baxter-78, Dryfhout-197. Bronze, Cast. Tiffany Edge Mark. MS-61 (PCGS). With Letter from Neil MacNeil. 74.0 mm. This classic piece is one of the most prized of the Inaugural medals, not only for its subject matter and rarity, but just as much for the artist who designed it, the firm that cast it, and its influence on American coinage. It inspired Theodore Roosevelt's hopes for a more sculptural and classical coinage and directly influenced the design of the reverse of the Indian ten-dollar gold eagle introduced in 1907, also by Saint-Gaudens. This is an incredibly important American medal, and Stack's Bowers Galleries is pleased to once again have the honor of presenting an example for the consideration of our bidders. This lovely specimen is uncommonly well preserved for the assigned grade with handsome deep brown patina and intermingled sandy-gold highlights to both sides. Striking detail is bold for the type, closer inspection revealing fine granularity to the finish, also typical. The in-hand appearance is fairly smooth, although we do note several light, well scattered spots that serve to limit the grade, and not much else. This is a highly attractive piece, one that is sure to see spirited bidding among specialists in Inaugural medals and collectors with a more narrow focus on Theodore Roosevelt. Most examples of this medal bear the Tiffany mark on the edge, as here, but not all. It is believed that some medals that were not considered completely up to the standards of the maker did not receive the mark, although some of the unmarked medals appear just as nice as the marked ones. The special large size PCGS holder in which this piece is an edge view type that allows viewing of the Tiffany mark at 6 o'clock. Just 150 examples of this medal were authorized to be produced by Tiffany in bronze. Today, Saint-Gaudens' Roosevelt inaugural medal is recognized as one of the most historic of all American medals. Though much of the actual design and modeling work was accomplished by Saint-Gaudens' famous assistant Adolph Alexander Weinman, Saint-Gaudens used his position at the forefront of American sculpture to not only lead this project, but capture the imagination of President Roosevelt. Their relationship has been well documented and led to the creation of Saint-Gaudens' classic double eagle and eagle designs. Ranked number 27 in the popular book 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens (2007), this is the highest ranked 20th century medal in that reference. Today, it is a numismatic landmark. This lot includes a letter dated August 10, 2004, from Neil MacNeil to Dr. Matthew D. Rifkin, confirming that this medal was once part of the former's collection. Neil MacNeil, of course, is well known as the author of one of the standard references on this series, The President's Medal: 1789-1977 (1977). (Total: 1 medal; 1 letter) Provenance: From the Medicus Collection of Presidential Inaugural and Related Medals. Earlier ex Neil MacNeil.
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Exceedingly Rare 1913 Wilson Presidential Medal Only One or Two Known 1913 Woodrow Wilson First Term Presidential Medal. By George T. Morgan. Failor-Hayden Unlisted. Bronze. MS-65 (PCGS). With Original Box. 77.3 mm. Obv: Bust of the president left with name WOODROW WILSON around periphery. This bust was also used on the Assay Commission medals of this presidency. Rev: Inaugural legend surrounds a figure of Liberty depositing her ballot in an urn. Handsome olive-tan patina. This exciting medal belongs to a little-studied category, "Mint List" medals that are wholly different from medals sold by the Mint today, displaying designs discontinued decades ago. Such elusive medals have been published in Coin World's "Research Desk" column for Presidents Harding, Coolidge, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, but this Wilson medal is essentially unknown to modern collectors. Not surprising, since the Mint does not appear to have actually released an official medal for Wilson's first presidential term. It apparently had plans to do so at some point, however, since one or two examples are known; this is the only one we have ever handled. The original cardboard box has a few torn edge flaps on both the lid and base, but is complete. (Total: 1 medal; 1 box) Provenance: From the Medicus Collection of Presidential Inaugural and Related Medals. Earlier from our (Stack's) Rich Uhrich Collection sale, February 2008, lot 3595.
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Choice Calvin Coolidge Inaugural Medal A Key to the Series 1925 Calvin Coolidge Official Inaugural Medal. Dusterberg CIM-B70, MacNeil CC-1925-3, Levine-CC 1925-3. Bronze. MS-64 (PCGS). 70.0 mm. This is an exceptionally attractive specimen with light golden-bronze patina to both sides. The surfaces show a soft satiny texture overall from a fine-grain matte finish, with myriad tiny facets evident under close examination. Sharply struck and free of significant blemishes, the in-hand appearance is smooth enough to evoke thoughts of a full Gem Mint State grade. Both the quality and eye appeal are well above average in a survivor from this elusive issue. While the classic 1905 Theodore Roosevelt inaugural medal designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens is certainly the most famous and popular medal of the series, it is by no means the rarest. Those who seek these historic medals know very well how challenging the Coolidge medal is. In fact, it is the second rarest of the entire 20th century series of bronze Inaugural medals, following closely behind that issued for Warren G. Harding in 1921. Just 75 Coolidge medals were struck in bronze, along with two in silver and three in gold. This bronze mintage is 50 pieces fewer than were produced of the Roosevelt medal, although the nature of the Roosevelt presidency and his great popularity may have caused his medals to be better cared for by their owners. Coolidge did not enjoy such popularity and it is likely that a larger portion of his medals have been lost. Many years can pass between offerings of Coolidge inaugurals, though we have had the good fortune to be able to present eight (!) of these rarities over the past decade (including the present specimen). We last offered an example in our August 2024 Global Showcase Auction, a PCGS Specimen-62 that brought $7,200. Shortly before that, in our Spring 2024 Auction, a handsome Mint State piece realized $11,400. A piece of comparable quality to the latter brought $16,800 in our Spring 2022 Auction. The specimen in our August 2021 ANA Auction was also similar in quality, although it sold for less at $10,800. Prior to that, a medal certified Specimen-63 by PCGS brought $9,600 in our March 2020 Auction, and the example in our March 2016 Baltimore Auction brought $7,637 with a grade of Choice AU. Two years earlier, our March 2014 sale of the Charles A. Wharton Collection included a Choice Mint State example that earned $16,450. We are delighted to be offering the present example as a highlight of our current Showcase Auction, and we expect that the most advanced collectors of this series will be paying careful attention. Provenance: From the Medicus Collection of Presidential Inaugural and Related Medals.
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1981 Ronald Reagan Official First Inaugural Committee Charm. Levine-RR 1981-3. Gold. Mint State. 17.5 mm. 4.8 grams, 14 karat, 0.089 troy ounces AGW. Looped for suspension. Only 10 of these were produced and distributed to members of the Inaugural Medals Committee in 1981. Provenance: From the Medicus Collection of Presidential Inaugural and Related Medals. Earlier from Presidential Coin and Antique Co., Inc.'s sale of the Dan Hansen Collection of Official Presidential Inaugural Medals, November 2002, lot 84; our (Coin Galleries') sale of March 2008, lot 4536.
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1993 Bill Clinton Official First Inaugural Medal. Silver. No. 013. Gem Mint State. With Original Case. 70.0 mm. 200.0 grams, .999 fine, 6.43 troy ounces ASW. Housed in the original wooden case, approximately 6.0 inches x 6.0 inches x 1.5 inches. Due to the size and nature of this lot, additional shipping charges apply. Please call 800-458-4646 for more information. (Total: 1 medal; 1 case) Provenance: From the Medicus Collection of Presidential Inaugural and Related Medals.
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