1881 Bronze Medal J-PR-22, Chester A. Arthur

Coin Details

Description

This undated bronze U.S. Mint medal of Chester A. Arthur, cataloged as Julian PR-22, is the standard bronze presidential medal produced for ongoing public sale. Unlike the dated 1881 and 1886 strikings that correspond to specific moments in Arthur's presidency and death, this undated version was manufactured as part of the Mint's continuous medal sales program, available to collectors and visitors at Mint facilities and through mail order over an extended period. Chester Alan Arthur (1829-1886) served as the twenty-first President from 1881 to 1885, ascending from the vice presidency after James Garfield's assassination. His transformation from a Stalwart political machine operative into a reforming president who signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act remains one of the most remarkable personal reinventions in presidential history. The obverse features Arthur's portrait with his elegant mutton-chop whiskers and refined bearing that earned him the nickname "Gentleman Boss." The "No Date" designation in PCGS cataloging indicates a medal produced without a specific year of issue stamped on the piece, distinguishing it from the dated 1881 (Julian PR-22) and 1886 (Julian PR-45) variants. The Julian PR-22 catalog number links this medal to the same die family as the 1881 issue, though the undated version was produced from replacement dies over a longer production span. These undated bronze medals represent the most accessible format in the presidential medal series.

Rarity Notes

Standard undated U.S. Mint bronze presidential medal produced for ongoing public sale. Common in the numismatic market. Exact production figures are not tracked for individual undated medal issues.

Cross References

PCGS #924195; Julian PR-22