(1825) White Metal Medal Julian PR-5, John Quincy Adams Inaugural

Coin Details

Auction Record

$10,200 SP62 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

White metal inaugural medal issued for the inauguration of John Quincy Adams as the 6th President of the United States on March 4, 1825. Catalogued by Julian as PR-5. Designed by Moritz Fürst, the principal die-engraver at the Philadelphia Mint from approximately 1807 to 1840, who created the foundational series of American presidential medals for the U.S. Mint. The obverse features a portrait of Adams facing right with his name and office in the legend; the reverse typically bears an eagle with shield — the standard reverse shared across the early Fürst presidential inaugural medal series. White metal (a tin-lead alloy) examples were the most affordable version; the same design was also struck in copper and silver for presentation and cabinet specimens. These Mint-issued inaugural medals were sold to the public and collectors rather than given as official gifts, establishing the enduring tradition of commemorative presidential medals in American numismatics. Diameter approximately 50mm.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The Moritz Fürst-designed presidential inaugural medal series represents the first systematic tradition of U.S. presidential commemoration through medals. White metal examples of the Adams inaugural piece survive in modest numbers. The 1824 election — decided by the House of Representatives when no candidate won an Electoral College majority — made Adams's inauguration a contested milestone, lending additional historical weight to its commemorative medal.

Cross References

Julian PR-5