The United States Mint this week updated its online store with information, images and pricing for the first two Presidential Silver Medals honoring George Washington and John Adams, the nation’s first and second Presidents. Both launch on Aug. 16 at noon Eastern Time.
As we wrote about earlier this year, the new series of medals will complement the already available Presidential medals in bronze, sharing their designs.
Silver Medal Specifications and Pricing
Back then, the U.S. Mint planned on producing Presidential Silver Medals in proof quality. They are instead minted with a matte finish.
Also, they have a plain edge, measure 1.598 inches in diameter, and are produced at the Philadelphia Mint without mint marks.
Struck on the same planchets that are used to make American Silver Eagles, the pair of 1-ounce .999 fine silver medals are priced at $39.95 apiece. The U.S. Mint announced that remaining series medals will be the same price.
As a comparison, George Washington Presidential Bronze Medals are currently $39.95 for the 3-inch edition and $6.95 for the 1 5⁄16 version.
Like the bronze medals, Presidential Silver Medals will not have a sales deadline or mintage limits.
Designs
The obverse or heads side of the George Washington Presidential Silver Medal features a portrait of Washington with the inscriptions "GEORGE WASHINGTON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES" and "1789."
The obverse of the John Adams Presidential Silver Medal features a portrait of Adams with the inscriptions "JOHN ADAMS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES" and "A.D. 1797."
Reverses of both medals have the inscription "PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP," symbolized by two hands clasped in token of amity. On the cuff of the left wrist are three stripes with buttons, each button carrying the American eagle; the other wrist is bare. Above the hands, the pipe of peace and the tomahawk are crossed over each other.
To learn more, visit the Mint’s page for Presidential Medals.
