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Auction: 321 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale and Stocks and Bonds of the Americas
Lot: 758

Prototype of the First Design of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 54 x 66mm (to top of wreath). Flat gilt base metal and enamels. Central blue enameled medallion with a constellation of 13 white stars, outer golden border, on a white enameled star on a plaque with an early Federal eagle in each angle and beribboned oak wreath at top. On large blue bow ribbon adorned across its central areas with white stars. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, along with the Congressional Gold Medal, is the highest civilian award of the U.S. and recognizes individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interest of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." Executive Order 11085 by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 established the Presidential Medal of Freedom to replace the earlier Medal of Freedom established by President Truman in 1945. A contract was given to the Medallic Art Company of New York to prepare a medal, while the ribbon was to be prepared by Baily Mills. The First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, though, appears to have changed her mind when she saw the final product (of what would be the "First Design"). She had her New York jeweler David Webb make significant changes, resulting in the current design. The medium-sized Federal eagles, which she found "warlike" were replaced by more pacific and larger eagles, which were placed on red pedestals to introduce that color into the design. The center star seal was made less prominent and the oak wreath was eliminated. It is uncertain whether this is an original prototype used in 1963 or a slightly later reissue. Very rare and Choice. Accompanied by a reprint of Ronald E. Fischer's article on the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Estimate
$300 to $3,000