The inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States was held on Friday, January 20, 1961, on the East Portico of the United States Capitol in Washington D.C Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford organized and hosted a pre-inaugural ball at the D.C. Armory on the eve of Inauguration day, January 19, 1961, considered as one of the biggest parties ever held in Washington, D.C. Sinatra recruited many Hollywood stars who performed and attended, and went as far as convincing Broadway theatres to suspend their shows for the night to accommodate some of their actors attending the gala.

A strong snowstorm fell the day before the inauguration, with a total of 8 inches during the night, causing transportation and logistical problems in Washington and serious concern for the inauguration. On inauguration day, January 20, 1961, the skies began to clear but the snow created chaos in Washington, almost canceling the inaugural parade, none-the-less workers rallied and got everything prepared in time for Kennedy to become inaugurated as planned.  In his inaugural address, he spoke of the need for all Americans to be active citizens, famously saying, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

This keepsake was given to White House barber Steve Martini in memory of the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United states.  Encased in transparent Lucite, this memento contains a large copper colored coin on the inside that features a bust done of the newly elected President and reads John Fitzgerald Kennedy.  On the reverse is a very detailed presidential seal with the bottom reading “Inaugurated January 20, 1961”.  Below the coin is a business card sized note that also bears the Presidential seal and reads, “To Steve and Ann Martini” and features a bold secretarial signature of John F. Kennedy.  This memento from the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as 35th President is truly a unique collectable and one that has been virtually unknown n the hobby until now.  The lot is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Steve Martini Jr, son of famed White House Barber, Steve Martini. 

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