(1974) Medal Medallic Art Co. Bronze Rockefeller Inauguration

Coin Details

Description

This bronze medal by Medallic Art Company commemorates the inauguration of Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller as Vice President of the United States in December 1974. Rockefeller became the second person to assume the vice presidency through the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, nominated by President Gerald Ford — who himself had been the first. This created the remarkable situation of a president and vice president neither of whom had been elected to their respective offices. Rockefeller, the four-term Governor of New York and patriarch of one of America's wealthiest and most influential families, brought extraordinary governing experience to the role. His confirmation process was protracted and contentious, lasting four months as Congress scrutinized his vast personal fortune, estimated at over 60 million dollars. Medallic Art Company's bronze medal documents this second invocation of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment's vacancy provision, a constitutional mechanism that had been untested before 1973 and was now being used for the second time in barely a year. The bronze composition made this commemorative accessible to the widest possible audience of collectors and political memorabilia enthusiasts. Rockefeller's vice presidency would prove frustrating for the ambitious former governor, who found the largely ceremonial role confining after decades of executive authority.

Rarity Notes

Bronze. Medallic Art Co. Second use of 25th Amendment for VP succession. Historically paired with the Ford VP medal series. Moderate availability.

Cross References

PCGS #690780