icon-dot-gov icon-https Locked padlock icon
USA Flag
An official website of the United States government. Close/span>

Bob Dole Receives Congressional Gold Medal

January 17, 2018

WASHINGTON – Former U.S. Senator Robert Joseph "Bob" Dole received a Congressional Gold Medal today during a ceremony in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Dole was presented the medal in recognition of his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator, and statesman.

Bob Dole proudly served the people of Kansas in Congress for 36 years, both in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. During his time in office, he was known for his bipartisan ability to "reach across the aisle," which was illustrated by his work on the Americans with Disabilities Act. He was also a dedicated Army soldier during World War II, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster for his service. He also received an American Campaign Medal, a European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal.

Following his public career, Senator Dole became an advocate for the public good. Among other accomplishments, he served as National Chairman of the World War II Memorial Campaign, established the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas to encourage bipartisanship in politics, and has been a life-long champion for the disabled.

The medal was designed and struck by the United States Mint as authorized by Public Law 115-60. Its obverse (heads) features a portrait of Senator Bob Dole with the U.S. Capitol Building in the background. The design features the inscriptions "SON OF KANSAS," "SOLDIER," "STATESMAN," and "BOB DOLE." United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna created and engraved this design.

The medal's reverse (tails) displays a Kansas wheat field below a quote from Senator Dole: "FOR GREATNESS LIES NOT IN WHAT OFFICE YOU HOLD, BUT IN HOW HONEST YOU ARE, IN HOW YOU FACE ADVERSITY, AND IN YOUR WILLINGNESS TO STAND FAST IN HARD PLACES." An additional inscription includes "ACT OF CONGRESS 2017." United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill created and engraved this design.

The public law that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Bob Dole also authorizes the United States Mint to strike and sell bronze reproductions of the medal. The three-inch medal (product code 17MD), priced at $39.95, and the 1.5-inch medal (product code 17ME), priced at $6.95, will be available for purchase on January 17, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time through the bureau's online catalog at https://www.catalog.usmint.gov/ and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may call 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the nation's highest civilian awards and is bestowed by Congress as an expression of gratitude for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, groups, or institutions.

About the United States Mint

The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

  • Images of the Bob Dole Medal are available at /news/image-library/silver-bronze-medals.
  • For information about the United States Mint, please visit /about/about.
  • To subscribe to United States Mint electronic product notifications, news releases, and public statements, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/email-signup.
  • Sign up for RSS Feeds from the United States Mint and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

# # #

United States Mint – Connecting America through Coins

 


Contact
Press Inquiries: Office of Corporate Communications (202) 354-7222
Customer Service Information: (800) USA MINT (872-6468)