Press Release

Originally released 1993 CLINTON INAUGURAL MEDAL HITS WASHINGTON D.C. Entrepreneurial firm awarded contract, Clinton Medal breaks with tradition CARMEL, Calif. -- Designed and minted by the firm of Hoffman Mint of Carmel, California, the Official Inaugural Medal of William Jefferson Clinton has arrived in the nation's capital. Clinton's selection of Hoffman Mint's medal design, bearing the bust of the president-elect on the front and a pastoral scene inspired by the song "America the Beautiful" on the back, breaks with the 92-year tradition of the Official Inaugural Medal. It is the first time a President has personally selected the medal design and it is the first time the back of the medal bears a pastoral scene. Just getting their entry to the president elect was no easy task. Michael Hoffman spent months tracking down the right person to send their entry. Michael was successful in getting the winning entry to the wife of U.S. Rep. James "Jimmy" Hayes, Leslie. Who hand-delivered the lead proofs and a plaster sculpture to the transition staff in Little Rock, literally hours before President-elect Clinton made his selection. Breaking with tradition, President-elect Bill Clinton personally selected Hoffman Mint's design from all five competing entries. Past medals have been nominated by the Inaugural Medals Committee who would choose among the competing portraits and submit its favorite to the President for approval. The Clinton Inaugural Medal is also unique in that it is the first medal to bear a pastoral scene on the reverse side, rather than the traditional presidential seal or American Bald Eagle. The reverse was inspired by the song "America the Beautiful." Purple Mountains Majesty and Amber Waves of Grain, embody a theme which, creates a unifying feeling consistent with the mood of the country. The Presidential Inaugural Committee has commissioned three versions of the medal: a bronze medal 2 3/4" in diameter, a silver medal 2 1/2" in diameter, and a 24KT gold medal. The gold medal is available in a set which includes the bronze and silver medals. The company worked overtime to fill the demand and their employees did it with enthusiasm. "Everyone worked very hard and we all pitched in to get the job done," said Michael. "We were really excited about making this medal. We have a real espirit de corps." For more information on how you can purchase the Official Inaugural Medal of William Jefferson Clinton, please call Hoffman Mint.   Note: The current prices for: 1993 Bronze Medal $35.00 1993 Silver Medal $200.00 1993 Gold Medal Set $975.00