Lot 613

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Description:

WILLIAM MCKINLEY AND THEODORE ROOSEVELT INAUGURAL MEDAL
Scarce example of the Official March 4, 1901 Presidential inaugural medal honoring the election of William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. This is only the second official medal issued in commemoration of an inauguration and according to Richard A. Dusterberg, author of The Official Inaugural Medals of the Presidents of the United States: "...the medal was distributed only to members of the Inaugural Committee. It received no publicity. Even the sculptor's name was never recorded. It was intended as a pocket piece - a souvenir - nothing more". Harry J. Foreman, the great numismatist, was very adamant when he stated: "without doubt it would be highly unlikely more than 50 examples have survived the test of time". This example, regrettably, has faults: unnatural patina, and slight pitting with oxidation to the surfaces (especially on the obverse). We also note unevenness and pitting on the rim. Possibly it is a dug relic discovered by a metal detector enthusiast. On the good side: all lettering is still bold and clear, especially strong on the raised surfaces on the reverse. The bust of McKinley is highly defined despite the roughness of the surface. There is no loss of detail whatsoever to the Capital building, in fact, amazingly, it still has full steps! Estimated accordingly.

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September 27, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000