MCMV (1905) Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal. Bronze. 73 mm. By Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Baxter-78, Dryfhout-197, Dusterberg-OIM 2B74. Tiffany Edge Mark. Specimen-62 (PCGS).We are delighted to be able to present an example of this classic piece, among 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 Roosevelts 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.This beautiful specimen exhibits handsome deep brown patina with subtle rose and autumn-orange highlights evident as the surfaces dip into a light. Striking detail is expectably bold for the type, closer inspection revealing fine granularity to the finish, also typical. Trivial handling marks and a few swirls of light carbon over and behind Roosevelts portrait are noted solely for accuracy, the in hand appearance predominantly smooth and highly appealing.Most examples of this medal bear the Tiffany mark on the edge, as here, but not all of them. It is believed that some medals that were not considered completely up to the standards of the maker did not receive the mark, however, some of the unmarked medals appear just as nice as the marked ones. The PCGS insert makes no mention of the edge for this piece, but Stacks Bowers Galleries received this medal on consignment uncertified and we were able to confirm the edge marking before submitting to PCGS for certification.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 not only Saint-Gaudens classic double eagle and eagle designs, but the other first-rate coinage designs of the early 20th century. Ranked number 27 in the 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens, this is the highest ranked 20th century medal in that reference. Today, it is a numismatic landmark.This particular specimen is making its first appearance in the modern numismatic market, having been recently found in the jewelry box of our consignors grandmother after her passing. The origins of how it ended up in the family are now unknown.
