Eisenhower awards presidential appreciation medals

During his second term, President Eisenhower initiated the awarding of presidential appreciation medals, a series of specially designed medals produced by the United States Mint. The White House spearheaded the development of these medals, which were executed at the Philadelphia Mint. The medals served as a formal expression of appreciation to individuals for their contributions and services. A total of twenty distinct designs were created, with a combined mintage of 9,858 medals. The production of these medals took place over a span of time, specifically from September 1958 to October 1960. The program saw a notable response, with 1,451 medals being returned to the Bureau of the Mint and subsequently destroyed before the conclusion of Eisenhower's second term. This action reflects the administration's management of the awards and the importance placed on the integrity of the medal program. The Eisenhower appreciation medals are categorized under the Presidential Medal of Appreciation Award Medal Series, highlighting their significance in recognizing individual contributions to the nation during Eisenhower's presidency.