1981 Ronald Reagan Presidential Inauguration Commemorative Medal-39 U.S. Presidents

Original 1981 Presidential Inauguration commemorative medal issued to commemorate the inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States on January 20, 1981. Reagan’s first inauguration took place at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on that date. 

This is the collectible commonly cataloged as the “39 Presidents’ Coin – Reagan Inaugural.” Despite being called a coin by its original marketer, it is technically a privately issued commemorative medal rather than U.S. legal tender.

One side features the Great Seal of the United States at center surrounded by concentric rings containing the names of the presidents through Ronald Reagan, along with the inscription:

“Presidential Inauguration – January 20, 1981.”

The opposite side has an unusual and attractive high-relief design featuring 39 individual presidential portraits, representing the men who had served as president through Reagan. (The number is 39 rather than 40 because Grover Cleveland’s two nonconsecutive terms make Reagan the 40th presidency while only the 39th individual to hold the office.)

This exact medal is cataloged as approximately 33.8 mm in diameter, 3.2 mm thick and 18.4 grams, with a base-metal medal electroplated in genuine .999/24-karat gold. It was reportedly marketed by U.S. Gold Commemoratives, a division of Stafford Sales, Inc., as a limited-edition commemorative. 

The medal shown appears to be in excellent overall condition, retaining strong gold coloration and considerable original brilliance. The intricate lettering and numerous miniature presidential portraits remain sharply defined. Light handling or surface marks may be present, so photographs should be considered part of the condition description.