MCMV (1905) Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal. Bronze. 73 mm. By Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Baxter-78, Dryfhout-197, Dusterberg OIM-2B74, MacNeil TR-1905-2. MS-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.<p>Overall golden-bronze in color with darker mahogany patina shadowing the devices. The striking detail is expectably bold for the type and magnification reveals a fine granularity as is typical for this issue. A trace of residue is noted at 3 oclock on the obverse but the surfaces are otherwise free from notable imperfections. Glossy and remarkably attractive. <p>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 <em>100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens</em>, this is the highest ranked 20th century medal in that reference. Today, it is a numismatic landmark and is sure to draw considerable attention from collectors of several series.From the Edmund W. Dreyfuss Collection.