1985 Ronald Reagan & George H. W. Bush Second Inaugural Bronze Medal

This impressive bronze medal was issued to commemorate the second inauguration of President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H. W. Bush in January 1985.

Designed by noted sculptor and medalist Mico Kaufman and struck by the historic Medallic Art Company, the medal is an official piece of American presidential inaugural memorabilia.

The obverse features large, overlapping portraits of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush surrounded by the inscription “SECOND INAUGURATION · JANUARY 20, 1985.” The reverse displays a dramatic American eagle with outstretched wings above an ornamental wreath, accompanied by the names and offices of President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George Bush.

Historical Significance

The 1985 inauguration marked the beginning of Ronald Reagan's second term as the 40th President of the United States and George H. W. Bush's second term as vice president. January 20 fell on a Sunday that year, so Reagan took the constitutionally required oath during a private White House ceremony that day. The public inauguration was held the following day, January 21, inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda because of exceptionally cold weather.

Presidential inaugural medals have a long tradition as commemorative works of American medallic art. For second-term inaugurations, the vice president has traditionally joined the president on the medal's principal design, as represented by the paired Reagan-Bush portraits on this example.

This substantial bronze medal measures approximately 70 mm (2¾ inches) in diameter. The example pictured displays attractive golden-brown bronze surfaces with strong relief and well-preserved design detail. Please review the photographs carefully for its exact condition.

Specifications:

Year: 1985

Country: United States

Type: Official Presidential Inaugural Medal

Occasion: Second Inauguration of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush

Composition: Bronze

Diameter: Approximately 70 mm (2¾ in.)

Designer: Mico Kaufman

Manufacturer: Medallic Art Company

Edge: Plain with identifying inscription

You will receive the exact medal pictured. Please reach out with any questions!