MCMV (1905) Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal. By Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Dusterberg OIM-2B74, MacNeil TR-1905-2, Baxter-78, Dryfhout-197. Cast Bronze. Plain Edge. Unc Details--Cleaned (NGC).74 mm. We are delighted to present this classic piece, among the most prized 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 reverse design of the Indian $10 gold eagle introduced in 1907, also by Saint-Gaudens. The present example of this incredibly important American medal is sure to see spirited bidding even though it is by no means a perfect piece. The surfaces exhibit pale copper-rose patina that explains the NGC qualifier, although the appearance is quite smooth with no significant hairlines, marks or other blemishes. Upon close inspection, the surfaces still reveal the finely granular texture that is typical of the type. Sharply rendered and boldly defined, this piece is sure to find many willing buyers in todays highly competitive market.Most but not all examples of this medal bear the Tiffany mark on the edge. It is believed that some medals that were not considered completely up to the standards of the maker did not receive the mark, although some of the unmarked medals appear just as nice as the marked ones. Among the unmarked medals are two examples that we sold in 2014, both from the estate of a one-time foreman at the Tiffany studios. His medals had been a bit more roughly treated, and came to us with further obvious "seconds" of other medals from the studio. The backstory of those pieces clarified that they were saved by someone who so appreciated their artistry that he could not bear to see them destroyed.In all, 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 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 Saint-Gaudens classic double eagle and eagle designs. Ranked number 27 in the popular book 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens</em> (2007), this is the highest ranked 20th century medal in that reference. Today, it is a numismatic landmark.
