Description

During World War II, American women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, answering the call to replace the men serving in the military. These women, referred to as “Rosie the Riveter,” worked in a variety of industries, keeping America running and supporting the war effort. Their contributions were not only significant, but historic, changing the American workforce forever. After the War, many women returned to being homemakers, but not all. Some found that they liked working and earning their own money, and they continued to work outside the home, making that a possibility for future generations. In recognition of their contributions to the United States, and the inspiration they have provided to future generations, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to “Rosie the Riveter.” Bronze replicas of this medal are now available to purchase.

The obverse design features five Rosies in profile to represent the diversity of women in the war effort. The inscription is “ROSIE THE RIVETER.”

The reverse features a Rosie with a wrench casually resting on her shoulder and a rivet in her other hand. A Liberty ship and M4 tank travel behind her, and a B-17 bomber flies above, representing the variety of equipment built by Rosies. A ring of rivets frames the design with windows featuring the inscriptions “ACT OF CONGRESS 2020” and “1942-1945.

Designers for both the obverse and reverse-
Beth Zaiken (Artistic Infusion Program Designer)
Obverse Sculptor-Eric David Custer (Medallic Artist)
Reverse Sculptor-John P. McGraw (Medallic Artist)