(1957) Medal Medallic Art Co. NY Bronze Eisenhower-Nixon 2nd Inaug.

Coin Details

Description

This bronze medal commemorates the second inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard M. Nixon on January 21, 1957. Produced by Medallic Art Company of New York, the medal marks Eisenhower's decisive reelection victory over Adlai Stevenson in November 1956, winning by an even larger margin than his first campaign despite concerns about his health following a 1955 heart attack. The inauguration was originally scheduled for January 20 but was moved to January 21 because the 20th fell on a Sunday, following the precedent of a private Sunday oath ceremony followed by the public Monday inauguration. The obverse features portraits of both Eisenhower and Nixon, reflecting the growing importance of the vice presidential role during this administration. Nixon had served as a particularly active and visible vice president, taking on expanded duties during Eisenhower's health episodes. Medallic Art Company's sculptors captured both men with the firm's characteristic attention to realistic portraiture. The bronze composition and substantial diameter make this a weighty, impressive piece that conveys the gravitas of the occasion. The second Eisenhower inaugural medal represents a period of relative national prosperity and confidence, with the interstate highway system under construction and the post-war economic boom in full stride.

Rarity Notes

Bronze. Produced by Medallic Art Company, New York. Second-term inaugural medals are generally produced in smaller quantities than first-term pieces. Moderately scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #690776