WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush will present the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Norman Borlaug on July 17, 2007, in a ceremony in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Prepared and struck by the United States Mint, the Congressional Gold Medal honors Dr. Borlaug’s remarkable agricultural research, which saved millions of lives.

On December 6, 2006, President Bush approved Public Law 109-395, which provided for the United States Mint to strike the Congressional Gold Medal for presentation to Dr. Borlaug. The law also authorizes the United States Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicate medals to the public. The bronze duplicates may be purchased at www.usmint.gov at noon on July 17, 2007, or by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

The obverse of the Norman Borlaug Congressional Gold Medal, designed by Phebe Hemphill, a United States Mint Medallic Sculptor, features an image of Dr. Borlaug in the experimental field of Mexico in the early 1960s, as well as the inscription “Norman Borlaug.”

Designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, the medal’s reverse depicts hands holding strands of wheat bordering a globe, with the following quote by Dr. Borlaug: “The first essential component for social justice is adequate food for all mankind.” Additional inscriptions on the reverse are “Act of Congress” and “2006.”

The three-inch bronze reproduction medal is available for $38. There is an additional shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order. Presentation cases are also available.

To view an image of the Norman Borlaug Congressional Gold Medal, please click here.