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 Harry S Truman encircled by 48 stars / “C.P. Jennewein F. Ad Vivum 48”
Reverse: Standing figure holding an olive branch and backed by silhouettes of men and women / “Harry S Truman” / “Inaugurated President of the United States January 20 1949”
Edgemark: “(c) 1993 P.I.C.” / “Hoffman & Hoffman – Carmel, CA – Bronze – HH”
Size: 51mm
Designer: C. Paul Jennewein
Medallist: U.S. Mint
Mintage: 2 (Gold) / 9 (Silver) / 7,500 (Bronze)
- The obverse bears the sculptor’s name followed by the phrase “F. Ad Vivum,” meaning “made from life.”
- The profile of Truman is encircled by 48 stars, with 13 larger stars representing the original 13 colonies.
- The female figure in the Phrygian cap on the reverse represents freedom and the masses behind her represent mankind’s aspiration for the same.
- Two of the nine silver medals were used as prizes for window designs in department stores during the inaugural celebration.
- The 1949 medal marks the first occasion that an inaugural medal was marketed nationally to raise funds for the inaugural committee.
Presidential Inaugural Medals 