1913 Medal Better Babies Bronze 50mm

Coin Details

Description

This 1913 bronze medal at 50mm commemorates the "Better Babies" movement, a Progressive Era health campaign promoting improved infant and child healthcare through competitions and education. Better Babies contests, held at state fairs and community events, evaluated babies on health criteria including weight, measurements, and developmental milestones. While well-intentioned in promoting child health, the movement had connections to the eugenics movement that would later be thoroughly discredited. The 50mm bronze format was substantial for an award medal. Better Babies medals document a Progressive Era public health initiative that achieved genuine improvements in infant mortality while reflecting the era's problematic assumptions about heredity and human improvement. Related to the gold version (PCGS #920325).

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Better Babies medal, bronze 50mm, 1913. Progressive Era health campaign medals are niche collectibles.

Cross References

PCGS #817630; Better Babies; Bronze 50mm; 1913; Progressive Era