The 1945 Gold Franklin D. Roosevelt Inaugural Medal Makes First Public Appearance: A Historic Offering by Stack’s Bowers

In a groundbreaking announcement that has caught the attention of numismatists and history buffs alike, Stack’s Bowers Galleries has revealed that a gold version of the 1945 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Fourth Inaugural Medal will be available for public auction for the very first time. This event marks not only a milestone in the world of numismatics but also a moment of profound historical significance. One of only ten such medals ever struck in gold, this rare artifact from a pivotal era in world history will headline the Stack’s Bowers 2025 Summer Global Showcase Auction. Let’s discuss the background, significance, and unique journey of this remarkable medal.

The 1945 Franklin D. Roosevelt Fourth Inaugural Medal

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fourth and final inauguration on January 20, 1945, was a moment etched into the heart of American history. It occurred during one of the most turbulent times the world had ever seen—just months before the end of World War II. To celebrate this occasion, the U.S. Mint struck a series of medals. While most were made in bronze for public sale, a select few were made in gold for private distribution among key figures.

The creation of these medals was symbolic, honoring not just Roosevelt’s unprecedented fourth term, but also the global leadership role the U.S. was assuming as the war drew to a close.

Composition and Rarity of the Medal

Here’s where it is especially interesting: while 3,500 bronze medals were struck and sold to the public, only 10 gold medals were produced. These gold medals were never offered for public sale and were instead reserved for an elite group of recipients. Their limited number and exclusive distribution have made them one of the most elusive and desirable collectibles in the world of presidential memorabilia.

Unlike the bronze version, which is still found fairly regularly in collections today, the gold version has been nearly invisible—until now.

Distribution of the Gold Medals

The story of these medals doesn’t end with their creation. What truly elevates them is the prestigious list of individuals to whom they were given. These weren’t just any recipients; they were some of the most influential leaders of the 20th century, receiving the medal directly from President Roosevelt himself.

The distribution happened behind closed doors, at high-level meetings during some of the most critical moments of World War II. The medals were handed out at the White House, at the Yalta Conference in Crimea, and even aboard the USS Quincy in Egypt.

Known Recipients of the Gold Medal

To appreciate the value of this medal, you need to know who received it:

1. President Franklin D. Roosevelt – Received his at the White House two days before his inauguration. After his passing in April 1945, it was gifted to the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park.
2. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill – Received his medal during the Yalta Conference on February 10, 1945.
3. Joseph Stalin, Soviet leader – Also presented at Yalta by FDR himself.
4. Anthony Eden, Britain’s Foreign Secretary – Another Yalta recipient.
5. Vyacheslav Molotov, Soviet Foreign Minister – Received at the same conference.
6. King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia – Given aboard the USS Quincy on February 14, 1945.
7. Ambassador Joseph E. Davies – As chairman of the inaugural medal committee, he was granted one.
8. Nellie Tayloe Ross, Director of the Mint – Acquired her copy due to her role in the committee.
9. & 10. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library – Two gold medals were ordered posthumously on April 12, 1946, to be preserved forever at Hyde Park.

Only three of these ten are known to be in museum hands today—none have ever been offered for public sale until now.

The highlight of the Stack’s Bowers Auction

Now, for the first time, one of these legendary gold medals will hit the auction block, and it’s all thanks to Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Their 2025 Summer Global Showcase Auction will serve as the historic stage for this unveiling. This is not just a regular sale—this is a once-in-a-lifetime event that gives collectors the rare opportunity to own a piece of living history.

The gold medal being offered comes from the estate of none other than Nellie Tayloe Ross, the first female director of the U.S. Mint and a key figure in American numismatic history. Her direct involvement in the 1945 Inaugural Medal Committee further elevates the value of this specific piece.

Imagine holding in your hands a medal that was once part of the private collection of someone who had a direct role in its creation. This isn’t just an item—it’s a direct link to the people and moments that shaped modern history.

Origin of the Auctioned Medal

What makes this offering even more stunning is its impeccable provenance. Coming directly from the estate of Mint Director Ross, this gold medal is one of the few whose origins are known and documented. This type of pedigree is rare and crucial in the world of high-end collectibles, adding authenticity and value to the piece.

Ross was not only the first woman to perform as director of the United States Mint but also an influential political figure, having been the first female governor of Wyoming. Her ownership of the medal is a testament to her role in a pivotal chapter of American history. Owning this medal is like owning a fragment of that legacy.

The Role of the Yalta Conference

Let’s pause and look back at the historical moment during which many of these gold medals were distributed—the Yalta Conference, held in February 1945. This summit brought together the three great Allied leaders—Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin—to discuss the post-war world. It was one of the most consequential meetings of the 20th century, setting the stage for the geopolitical order of the next several decades.

The fact that Roosevelt chose this moment to present gold inaugural medals speaks volumes. He wasn’t just handing out keepsakes—he was gifting symbols of unity, respect, and shared destiny. The medals were tokens of diplomacy, given during one of the most sensitive and important conferences of World War II.

Why This Auction is Historic

This isn’t just another item up for sale—this is a national treasure, an artifact steeped in history, diplomacy, and prestige. It’s one of only ten ever made, and only one of a very small number that can still be traced and authenticated today. That rarity alone makes it incredibly special. But its ties to monumental historical figures and events push it into the realm of the extraordinary.

Jeff Ambio, Vice President of Numismatics at Stack’s Bowers Galleries, explained these medals as “national treasures.” And rightly so. Their scarcity, their connection to President Roosevelt, and their role in a defining moment of the 20th century make them far more than collectibles—they’re priceless pieces of our shared past.

Statements from Stack’s Bowers Officials

Jeff Ambio didn’t mince words when he spoke about the importance of this offering. He emphasized that these medals are “exceedingly rare,” and he’s right. Their distribution was limited to an elite few—government officials and world leaders who stood beside Roosevelt as he helped shape the post-war world.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Ambio explained. “The new owner will be adding their name to a short list of people who have ever owned one of these—right alongside Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin, and King Ibn Saud.”

It’s not just about owning a medal—it’s about becoming a part of a legacy that spans continents and generations.

Future of the Remaining Gold Medals

So, what happened to the other medals? That’s the big mystery. Out of the original ten gold Roosevelt inaugural medals, only three are confirmed to be in museum collections—specifically, at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park. The rest have vanished into history. The five-handed out during the Yalta Conference and on board, the USS Quincy haven’t resurfaced. Nor has the one given to Ambassador Joseph E. Davies.

This uncertainty adds a layer of intrigue to the medal being offered by Stack’s Bowers. It’s not just rare—it’s one of the few whose whereabouts are known and proven. For collectors and historians, the existence of these other medals remains a puzzle, one that only deepens the allure of this newly surfaced specimen.

Will any of the others ever come to light? Only time will tell. But right now, this single opportunity stands as a beacon for those passionate about numismatics and history.

Stack’s Bowers Auction Details

If you’re thinking about participating in this monumental event, here’s what you need to know: The 2025 Summer Global Showcase Auction will take place from August 25 to 30 and September 2 to 5, 2025, at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ headquarters in Costa Mesa, California.

For those who can’t make it to the West Coast, lot viewing will also be available in New York City and at the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Oklahoma City. So, whether you’re a seasoned bidder or a curious newcomer, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved.

Stack’s Bowers is also still accepting consignments for this showcase. If you’ve got ancient coins, world coins, paper money, or U.S. currency, you can still be a part of this unforgettable event. Contact them at 800-458-4646 or via Consign@StacksBowers.com to learn more.

Collecting Presidential Inaugural Medals

Presidential inaugural medals hold a unique place in American culture. They’re not just memorabilia—they’re markers of national milestones. Each one tells a story, and they often reflect the tone and importance of the time in which they were made.

While bronze medals are more common, and silver ones pop up from time to time, gold inaugural medals are incredibly rare. They were typically reserved for the inner circle—close aides, foreign dignitaries, and heads of state. That exclusivity makes them some of the most sought-after items in the collecting world.

What’s even more fascinating is how each medal connects to a broader narrative. In the case of the 1945 Roosevelt Gold Medal, it’s a narrative about wartime leadership, global diplomacy, and the shaping of a new world order. It’s a piece of metal that carries the weight of history.

The Legacy of FDR and His Inaugural Medals

Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only U.S. president to have served four terms. That alone places him in a unique position in American history. But it’s his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II that truly defines his legacy. The medals created to honor his fourth inauguration are, in many ways, symbols of the trust and respect he earned from both the American people and global leaders.

FDR’s ability to bring together disparate allies and build consensus in turbulent times was remarkable. These medals handed out during key diplomatic meetings, served not only as commemorative items but as tokens of goodwill and alliance. They represent a moment when the world came together under his leadership.

The offering of one of these medals today brings that legacy full circle. It allows a new generation to connect with a past that shaped the present.

Conclusion

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Fourth Inaugural Gold Medal’s public selling in 1945 is a celebration of history more than just a numismatic occasion. Only ten were ever produced, and most have either been lost to time or are preserved in museums, so this auction offers a very unique chance to acquire a piece of an important period in human history.

This medal says a lot, no matter whether you’re a collector, a historian, or just someone who appreciates the backstories of the objects.  It’s not just gold. It is a heritage.  It’s a leadership role. In the face of uncertainty, it represents a world coming together.

Don’t miss this chance to witness—and maybe even own—an irreplaceable piece of our shared past.

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