Dorothy J. Vaughan Hidden Figures Bronze Medal
- Year of Issue: 2024
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 116-68
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Background
This medal is a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal presented to Dorothy J. Vaughan in recognition of her contribution to the success of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race. Congress authorized the medal on November 8, 2019 and presented it on September 18, 2024. The Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act (Public Law 116-68) also awarded medals to Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, Dr. Christine Darden, and a fifth medal for all the women who made NASA successful. The Mint issued the bronze medal duplicates in 3.0 inch and 1.5 inch sizes.
Dorothy Vaughan was a mathematician and human computer who worked for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. She started at NACA in 1943 in the segregated West Area Computing unit. She was promoted to lead the unit as the first African American supervisor at NACA. She then became an expert programmer in FORTRAN for NASA’s Analysis and Computation Division. She retired from NASA in 1971.
Characteristics
The obverse depicts a portrait of Dorothy J. Vaughan. A border of piano keys encircles the design, representing her lifelong love of playing piano.
The reverse depicts Dorothy Vaughan in front of a mainframe computer in a teaching pose, instructing two colleagues. In the background, a sun symbolizes enlightenment, suggesting she was a beacon for others, leading the way for African American women. Inscribed in the center of the sun are Vaughan’s compelling words, “I CHANGED WHAT I COULD, AND WHAT I COULDN’T, I ENDURED.”
Obverse Inscriptions
- ACT OF CONGRESS 2019
- DOROTHY J. VAUGHAN
Reverse Inscriptions
- I CHANGED WHAT I COULD, AND WHAT I COULDN’T, I ENDURED
- FORTRAN EXPERT
- SCOUT LAUNCH PROGRAM
- SUPERVISOR, WEST AREA COMPUTERS
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
- Finish: matte
- Composition: 1.5 inch medal is 95% copper, 5% zinc and 3.0 inch medal is 90% copper, 10% zinc
- Edge: plain
- No mint mark
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Richard Masters, Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: John P. McGraw, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Emily Damstra, Artistic Infusion Program