Spring Premier Auction 2018
Wed, Mar 7, 2018 04:00PM EST - Sat, Mar 24, 2018 11:00PM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 28
JESSE OWENS' PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM PRESENTED TO OWENS BY PRESIDENT GERALD FORD IN 1976 (OWENS ESTATE COLLECTION)
Sold for
$128,617.20
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
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| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
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| $500,000 | $50,000 |
Late in his life Jesse Owens began to receive the praise for his accomplishments that had eluded him in his prime. The highest recognition bestowed on him was the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented to him by President Gerald R. Ford in 1976. This is the highest award the United States can bestow upon a civilian, and in the words of John F. Kennedy who established the honor in 1963, the award recognizes “an especially meritorious contribution to the security of national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public and private endeavors.” Jesse Owens’ accomplishments on and off the track more than meet these criteria.
This beautiful award is housed in a custom velvet-lined wooden shadowbox measuring 29-by-17 inches. The display contains the official blue and white grosgrain sash with special rosette surmounted with 13 gold stars, a miniature version of the medal to be worn for formal occasions, a military style ribbon bar with gold eagle pin and a smaller lapel ribbon badge with gold eagle. The full-size version of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the focus of the display. At 3-1/4 inches in diameter, it features beautifully sculpted eagles surrounding an intricate enameled red, white and blue star motif with 13 gold stars.
This display is completed by the official proclamation of Owens’ award, a 13” by 10” parchment embossed with the Presidential Seal. The wording of the document beautifully states why Jesse Owens was chosen to receive this coveted award from a grateful nation: “He is a winner who knows that winning is not everything. He has shared with others his courage and dedication to the highest ideals of sportsmanship. His achievements have shown us all the promise of America, and his faith in America has inspired countless others to do their best for themselves and their country.”
The document isdated August 5, 1976, and is signed by President Gerald R. Ford. Certainly 40 years overdue at the time of issue, this special and poignant piecerepresents a grateful nation recognizing the athletic and humanitariancontributions of one of its most beloved and respected citizens. Thisprofound symbol of achievement is of a caliber rarely seen at publicauction. It comes directly from the Owens family estate and hopefullyfinds its rightful resting place in an American history museum.
Includes LOA signed by each of Jesse Owens' three daughters.
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