Honoring the 13th President of the United States, the U.S. Mint today releases the Millard Fillmore Presidential Silver Medal. This strike is composed of 1-ounce .999 fine silver and continues the Mint’s multi-year series dedicated to the former presidents.
After assuming the Presidency following the death of Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore served as the nation’s chief executive from July 10, 1850 until March 3, 1853. He, as a member of the Whig party, has the distinction of being the last President not affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican parties. As for the Whig’s, influential members of the party refused to support Fillmore for the Presidential nomination in 1852 leaving him with just the partial term as President.
U.S. Mint Presidential Medal Programs
Presidential Medals have a long history in the United States. Sitting President’s likenesses would be featured on bronze peace medals which were given as a sign of peace to Native American tribes, offered after signing peace treaties with other nations, and for other purposes.
These new Presidential silver medals bear the same designs as their earlier bronze counterparts and were introduced by the U.S. Mint beginning in 2018. To date, medals in the series have seen the following sales:
- George Washington – 32,454
- John Adams – 22,627
- Thomas Jefferson – 22,592
- James Madison – 15,965
- James Monroe – 14,623
- John Quincy Adams – 14,091
- Andrew Jackson – 15,721
- Martin Van Buren – 13,101
- William Henry Harrison – 12,925
- John Tyler – 12,982
- James K Polk – 12,385
- Zachary Taylor – 12,016
James Polk and Zachary Taylor Presidential Silver Medals debuted earlier this year.
One honoring Franklin Pierce is scheduled to launch on Oct. 3.
Millard Fillmore Silver Medal Designs
Sculptor Salathiel Ellis designed the image of Millard Fillmore that appears on the obverse (heads side) of each new silver medal. Also included are inscriptions of "MILLARD FILLMORE," "PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, "1850," and the artist’s name "S.Ellis"
Artist Joseph Willson created the design found on the reverse (tails side) of the medal. The image shows a farmer, leaning on a plow while conversing with an Indian Chief. An American flag can be seen in the background.
Reverse inscriptions read "LABOR," "VIRTUE," and "HONOR" along with the artist acknowledgement of "J.WILLSON."
Presidential Silver Medal Specifications
These silver medals carry a matte finish, giving them an appearance like that of uncirculated coin. Additional medal specifications follow.
| Denomination: | N/A |
| Finish: | Matte |
| Composition: | 99.9% Silver |
| Weight: | 31.103 grams |
| Diameter: | 1.598 inches |
| Edge: | Plain |
| Mint and Mint Mark: | N/A |
| Privy Mark: | None |
| Design: | Obverse Designer: Salathiel Ellis Reverse Designer: Joseph Willson |
| Struck Under Authority of: | 31 U.S.C. § 5111(a)(2) |
Price and Ordering
The Millard Fillmore Presidential Silver Medal my be purchased for $65 beginning at noon ET from the U.S. Mint via its online page dedicated to silver medals.
It has no mintage or product limits or an ending sales date.
