This amazing set of John F. Kennedy Inaugural Medal plasters combine historical significance, extreme rarity, and an incredible pedigree. With a diameter of 9 1/2 inches, they were used to create the obverse and reverse galvanos of the same diameter.

An attractive gold finish was applied to these plasters to represent the medal struck in gold that was presented to President Kennedy himself. A plaster is the model made during the design process of a coin or medal. They are sculpted in a much larger size than the actual size of the final coin or medal. Plaster casts can be positive or negative and the artist is able to add or carve additional detail.

These have been well-preserved in their original condition with only a few minor chips and a crack on the backside of the obverse plaster. They have a light oxidation that does not detract from the overall presentation.

These plasters have a pedigree starting with their production at Medallic Art Co. They were purchased by Joe Levine, who was a very well known coin dealer specializing in official presidential inaugural medals and related memorabilia. He wrote the Collectors Guide to Presidential Inaugural Medals and Memorabilia. They were then sold to a Presidential Medal collector and eventually purchased by Lori Ferber Collectibles. I just acquired these and wanted to share their history and rarity with the numismatic community.

David Alexander, author of Medals of the Hall of Fame for Great Americans at New York University, states that:

"The official John F. Kennedy Inaugural Medal was struck by Medallic Art Company, then based in New York City. It was designed by the late Paul Manship at the suggestion of the First Lady [Jacqueline Kennedy]."

The official Inaugural Medal was struck in gold, silver and bronze. Historical records show that eight were struck in gold, 7,500 in silver and 53,331 in bronze for public sale.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum displays the 14K gold Inaugural Medal encased in lucite in their collection. This gold medal was presented to President Kennedy by Bruce Sundlun (co-chairman of the Inaugural Parade Committee) and Edward Foley (chairman of the Inaugural Committee) in the Oval Office on January 27, 1961.

Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy
Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA

During the 20th century, the Medallic Art Co. produced galvanos for James Earle Fraser, Laura Gardin Fraser, Victor D. Brenner, Howard Weinman, and many others. Paul Manship designed this Inaugural medal and the plasters that was used by the Medalic Art Co. to produce the galvanos.

The Smithsonian has the obverse galvano for this Kennedy Inaugural Medal, which is shown below.

Image courtesy of Smithsonian American Art Museum

NGC & PCGS authenticate and certify this medal in silver and bronze, which are shown below.

Besides being the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy was one of the most recognized and famous people of our time. His memorabilia is collected world-wide with intensity and great interest.