Custom coin, medal designs and medallic art by Tom Rogers, former U.S. Mint Sculptor / Engraver
January 16, 2011 by
One of the most enjoyable Congressional Medals that I was selected to create was the double portrait of President Gerald and Betty Ford.
This was one of the special higher relief medals that I modelled the portraits in plasteline. When the model was close to being done, I flew to Colorado, rented a car, and drove to the Ford’s house in Vail.
I was warmly received by the Fords, and we worked for several hours, refining the portraits, and taking several close-up photos for reference.
They were very gracious, and consented to have a photograph taken with me. The next, and last time I saw them was at the medal ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. Up until the ceremony, President Ford had seen only an antique bronze version of the medal…When he was presented his personal medal, and I asked him how he liked it he said “Hey, I look even better in gold!”
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