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 William McKinley / “Second Inauguration of William McKinley”
Reverse: Capitol Building / “William McKinley President of the United States • Theodore Roosevelt Vice-President” / “Mar. 4 1901”
Edgemark: None
Size: 44mm
Designer: Staff
Medallist: Joseph K. Davison Company
Mintage: ~2 (Gold) / Unknown (Silver) / 3,000-4,000 (Bronze)
- The Official 1901 Medal was the first of its kind, establishing the long-running tradition of commemorative presidential inaugural medals.
- Each member of the Inaugural Committee received a medal, along with a box marked with the words “Official Medal of Inauguration Committee, March 4th, 1901, John Jay Edson, Chairman.”
- The Inaugural Committee spent nearly $1,800 on the production of the medal.
- Silver specimens exist, but their quantity is unknown. Likewise, it is unknown whether a gold version was struck for presentation to the President.
- Although the Joseph K. Davison Company struck the medal, the dies were prepared by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.
Presidential Inaugural Medals 