Available for purchase today directly from the United States Mint is the Chester A. Arthur Presidential Silver Medal. This collectible went on sale at noon EDT, offering enthusiasts a unique addition to their collections, though its $90 price tag may deter some buyers. Adding to its appeal, the medal does contains 1 ounce of .999 fine silver.
Chester A. Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont, on October 5, 1829. He attended several schools and was admitted to the New York Bar in 1854. One of his most notable cases led to the desegregation of the New York City streetcar lines. At the start of the American Civil War, Arthur received a patronage appointment to the governor’s military staff. Due to his efficiency, he quickly rose to become the quartermaster general of the state militia, a position he held until a newly elected governor ended his appointment.
Arthur continued to practice law and delved deeper into politics, eventually winning the office of Vice President of the United States on James A. Garfield’s ticket. Garfield was shot less than four months after taking office and eventually died two months later, resulting in Chester A. Arthur becoming the 21st President.
As President, Arthur is remembered for modernizing the U.S. Navy, transforming it from wood-and-canvas warships to more modern steel vessels with steam propulsion. He also signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, which mandated that most federal government positions be awarded based on merit instead of political patronage.
Poor health resulted in Arthur’s limited interest in re-election in 1884, after which he retired, dying a year and a half after leaving office.
U.S. Mint Presidential Medal Programs
Presidential medals, produced by the U.S. Mint, have a longstanding history tracing back to the inception of the nation, often bestowed as "Peace Medals" upon Native Americans. Modern Presidential silver medals made their debut in 2018 and have since been released with the following associated sales:
- George Washington – 35,662
- John Adams – 23,8237
- Thomas Jefferson – 24,543
- James Madison – 17,075
- James Monroe – 15,431
- John Quincy Adams – 14,967
- Andrew Jackson – 16,825
- Martin Van Buren – 13,890
- William Henry Harrison – 13,755
- John Tyler – 13,793
- James K. Polk – 13,408
- Zachary Taylor – 13,165
- Millard Fillmore – 12,774
- Franklin Pierce – 12,663
- James Buchanan – 12,436
- Abraham Lincoln – 19,319
- Andrew Johnson – 12,627
- Ulysses S. Grant – 13,600
- Rutherford B. Hayes – 11,599
- James A. Garfield – 11,329
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Silver Medal debuted on February 13th of this year, followed by the James Garfield medal on April 30th. The Grover Cleveland Presidential Silver Medal is scheduled to be released on October 2nd.
Medal Designs and Specifications
The obverse (heads) of the medal features a bust of the president, with "CHESTER" inscribed to the left and "A. ARTHUR" to the right. The reverse (tails) of the medal displays a laurel wreath along with the inscriptions "PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES" and "INAUGURATED SEPTEMBER 20 1881." Sculptor Charles E. Barber, the U.S. Mint’s sixth Chief Engraver, created these designs.
Presidential silver medals have a matte finish, which gives them an appearance similar to that of an uncirculated coin. Additional medal specifications are as follows:
| Denomination: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
| Composition: | 99.9% Silver |
| Weight: | 1.000 troy oz. |
| Diameter: | 1.598 in. |
| Edge: | Plain |
| Mint and Mint Mark: | N/A |
| Privy Mark: | None |
Ordering and Price
The Chester A. Arthur Presidential Silver Medal is available from the U.S. Mint’s catalog for silver medals, without any mintage or household order limits. As mentioned, the price is $90, reflecting a $15 increase from earlier medals, which are now also priced at $90 following recent U.S. Mint pricing adjustments.
