U.S. Army Sgt William Shemin Challenge Coin

Collection of the National Archives, Obama Presidential Library. Image courtesy of The Obama Foundation.

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U.S. Army Sgt William Shemin Challenge Coin

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts

Artifact IDDO.115670

Object Type Coin, Commemorative

Medium metal (bronze), enamel, resin

DimensionsOverall H 1/8 in x Diam 2 in (0.3 cm x 5.1 cm )

Physical Description

Physical DescriptionA personalized challenge coin in memory of U.S. Army Sgt William Shemin. On the obverse side of the coin is a photograph of U.S. Army Sgt William Shemin. The reverse side of the coin has a relief image of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor, with a Star of David above it, and the 4th Army infantry division symbol to the left of it. The medal's ribbon is decorated with blue enamel, and the divisional symbol with green enamel.

Inscriptions and MarkingsEtched into the coin along the outer edge of the obverse: 4TH DIVISION - 47TH INFANTRY - COMPANY G - 1917-1919 [image of a star] SGT WILLIAM SHEMIN [image of a star] In relief on the reverse side, to the right of medal: VESLE-BAZOGHES JULY 7-10, 1918 AWARDED JUNE 2, 2015

Historical NoteWilliam Shemin was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions, and was later deemed to have been denied the Medal of Honor (during the war) because he was Jewish. The medal was presented to Shemin's two daughters in a ceremony at the White House on June 2, 2015.Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details

National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)

National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)

Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly

Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library and Museum. The Obama Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.

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