Recognized Women Hidden Figures Bronze Medal

Medals

Background

This medal is a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal presented to the women who contributed 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, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Christine Darden. The Mint issued the bronze medal duplicates in 3.0 inch and 1.5 inch sizes.

Between the 1930s and 1970s, women worked as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at NASA (previously the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics). These women played an integral role in projects such as aircraft testing during World War II; supersonic flight research; sending the Voyager probes to explore the solar system; and landing the first man on the Moon. They also served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This stunning achievement turned the Space Race to the United States’ favor and restored the nation’s confidence.

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Characteristics

The obverse depicts a group of women in silhouette looking on as Apollo 11 successfully puts the first men on the Moon. The figures are symbolic of the "hidden" nature of the many women, including those of color, who served as mathematicians and engineers, making significant contributions to the success of the space program while working for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (later reformulated into NASA) from the 1930s to 1970s. By placing the women in silhouette, they appropriately represent all the women to be honored by this medal.

The reverse features the constellation Andromeda as a nod to the significant space program and aeronautics contributions made by the women being honored. Andromeda is also known as "the Chained Woman," which is symbolic of the obstacles and difficulties overcome by the women whose contributions are finally being recognized and celebrated – breaking the chains of gender and racial constraints.

Reverse Inscriptions

  • HIDDEN FIGURES
  • ACT OF CONGRESS 2019

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 Reverse Content last reviewed September 17, 2024
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