MCMV (1905) Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal. Cast Bronze. 74 mm. By Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Baxter-78; Dryfhout-197; Dusterberg OIM-2B74; MacNeil TR-1905-2. MS-64 (NGC). Overall golden-bronze in color with slightly darker mahogany patina present in the deeper recesses and shadowing the devices. The detail is expectably bold for the type and magnification reveals a fine granularity as is typical for this issue. The surfaces of both sides are free from notable imperfections, and the finish is slightly glossy and remarkably attractive.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. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
