Another product for collectors appears from the United States Mint this week with the release of the James Monroe Presidential Silver Medal.
As indicated by its name, the medal is issued to honor James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Each is produced from 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver to a diameter of 1.6 inches and bears a matte finish.
Priced at $39.95, the medal extends the U.S. Mint’s Presidential Silver Medal series which debuted last year with the George Washington and John Adams medals. More recently, in January the Mint released the Thomas Jefferson medal and in May it issued the James Madison medal.
The silver series complements earlier U.S. Mint medals that were presented to American Indian chiefs and other important leaders at events like treaty signings.
Monroe Medal Designs and Specifications
Presidential Silver Medals share the same designs as their previously released bronze counterparts. They are being issued at a rate of four per year and without sales deadlines. Past issues have registered to-date-sales of 21,531 (Washington) 16,864 (Adams); 13,512 (Jefferson); and 9,449 (Madison).
This latest medal has an obverse (heads side) portrait of James Monroe as designed by Moritz Furst. Inscriptions around the portrait include "JAMES MONROE," "PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.," and "A.D. 1817."
Its reverse (tails side) was designed by John Reich and includes the inscription of "PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP." That sentiment is further symbolized by two hands clasped in token of amity. A crossed peace pipe and tomahawk appear above the hands.
James Monroe Presidential Silver Medal Specifications
| Denomination: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
| Composition: | 99.9% Silver |
| Weight: | 31.103 grams |
| Diameter: | 1.598 inches |
| Edge: | Plain |
| Mint: | N/A |
| Mint Mark: | None |
| Obverse Designer/Engraver: | Moritz Furst |
| Reverse Designer/Engraver: | John Reich |
These medals are struck on the same planchets that are used for American Silver Eagles. Unlike Silver Eagles which have a reeded edge, medal edges are plain. They may be produced at more than one U.S. Mint production facility yet feature no mint marks. Their matte finish is similar in appearance to the finish of an uncirculated coin.
Ordering
The James Monroe Presidential Silver Medal is available directly from the Mint’s online section of silver medals, found here. Orders may also be placed by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Each encapsulated medal comes in a display case and ships with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The final medal for 2019 will feature John Quincy Adams. It is scheduled for a fall release.
