U.S. Mint Releases William Howard Taft Presidential Silver Medal

Marking the latest release in the U.S. Mint’s Presidential Silver Medal series, the William H. Taft Presidential Silver Medal launched today. Struck in one ounce of .999 fine silver, it honors the 27th President of the United States.

The series itself launched in 2018 and pays tribute to former presidents in the order they served. Each Presidential Silver Medal is struck at the Mint’s Philadelphia facility.

William Howard Taft was born September 15, 1857 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Yale College before studying law at Cincinnati Law School. After practicing law and delving into politics, he was appointed to the Superior Court of Cincinnati at the age of 29. In 1890, he shifted to a federal position as the Solicitor General of the United States under President Harrison.

Taft continued in public service on a commission to establish a civilian government in the Philippines, eventually becoming governor. From there, he was appointed U.S. Secretary of War under President Theodore Roosevelt before assuming the presidency himself on March 4, 1909, with a strong focus on Asian and Latin American interests.

However, Taft’s time in office lasted only one term, as he faced growing conflict within his own party — driven largely by his former boss and friend, Theodore Roosevelt. Both men sought another term as president in 1912, effectively splitting the party and paving the way for Woodrow Wilson’s victory. Taft’s lifelong ambition of becoming Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was realized in 1921, making him the only person in history to serve as both U.S. President and Chief Justice. He died in 1930.

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 silver versions have since been released with the following associated sales:

• George Washington – 36,665
• John Adams – 24,183
• Thomas Jefferson – 25,055
• James Madison – 17,389
• James Monroe – 15,687
• John Quincy Adams – 15,192
• Andrew Jackson – 17,132
• Martin Van Buren – 14,131
• William Henry Harrison – 14,011
• John Tyler – 14,016
• James K. Polk – 13,645
• Zachary Taylor – 13,383
• Millard Fillmore – 12,975
• Franklin Pierce – 12,878
• James Buchanan – 12,665
• Abraham Lincoln – 20,544
• Andrew Johnson – 12,878
• Ulysses S. Grant – 14,143
• Rutherford B. Hayes – 11,986
• James A. Garfield – 11,833
• Chester A. Arthur – 11,176
• Grover Cleveland – 11,577
• Benjamin Harrison – 10,261
• William McKinley – 10,174
• Theodore Roosevelt – 10,903

Benjamin Harrison silver medals were the first in the series for 2025 and debuted on February 10. It was followed by the William McKinley medal on May 12 and the Theodore Roosevelt medal on July 14.

Medal Designs and Specifications

Appearing on the obverse (heads side) of the William H. Taft Silver Medal is a portrait of the former President, originally created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber for the Presidential bronze edition of 1909. Barber’s surname appears to the left of the portrait, with "WILLIAM" also inscribed on the left and "H. TAFT" on the right.

The reverse (tails side), designed at the time by Assistant Mint Engraver George T. Morgan, shows Columbia seated before the U.S. Capitol building. The inscriptions read "INAUGURATED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MARCH 4, 1909."

Each medal has a matte finish, similar in appearance to uncirculated coins. Additional specifications include:

Ordering and Price

The William H. Taft Presidential Silver Medals is available through the U.S. Mint’s catalog for silver medals. Pricing is $90. No mintage or household order limits apply. Previous offerings in the series may also be purchased.