Along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award the United States can bestow upon a civilian. The award was created in 1776 by the Continental Congress, with George Washington as its first recipient. As its title suggests, Congress awards the medal to persons "who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement." In 1990 Jesse Owens was posthumously awarded the medal. The ceremony, held on March 28, 1990, featured a poignant speech by President George H.W. Bush who was joined by several Olympians. Jesse’s widow Ruth Owens accepted the award, ending her acceptance speech with the moving passage, “On behalf of the youth he still inspires, and on behalf of my family, we thank you.”

Unlike other awards, the Congressional Gold Medal has no standard design aside from it being a two-sided gold medallion. Each recipient receives a unique design created specifically for that person by the United States Mint. Crafted in solid 22-karat gold, the medal measures three inches in diameter and weighs a hefty 18.2 ounces. The obverse of Owens’ award features a bust of the great athlete sculpted by T.J. Ferrell surrounded by “JESSE OWENS 1913-1980 OLYMPIC CHAMPION.” The reverse has a dramatic relief sculpture of Owens in full stride surmounted with the legend “DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, DISCIPLINE, ATTITUDE.” The beautiful gold medal is housed in its custom display case measuring 5-1/4 by 1-3/4 inches. This is simply a magnificent award of elite importance given by a grateful country to one of her greatest athletes. It comes directly from the Owens family estate and hopefully will find its rightful place in an American history museum one day.

Includes LOA signed by each of Jesse Owens' three daughters.