(1881) Bronze Medal J-PR-43, 25mm James A. Garfield

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 SP64 06-23-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1881 bronze medal of James A. Garfield in the smaller 25mm format, cataloged as Julian PR-43, was struck following Garfield's brief and tragic presidency. Garfield served as the twentieth President for only 199 days — from his inauguration on March 4, 1881, until his death on September 19, 1881, after being shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington on July 2. Guiteau, a disappointed office-seeker, shot Garfield in the back, and the president lingered for nearly twelve weeks as his doctors' probing of the wound with unsterilized instruments caused fatal infection. The 25mm diameter distinguishes this medal from the standard-size presidential medals in the Julian series, indicating it was produced as a smaller commemorative piece suitable for wearing or collecting in a more compact format. The obverse carries Garfield's portrait, depicting the last president to be born in a log cabin, with his characteristic full beard. The reverse bears appropriate presidential inscriptions within the compressed space of the smaller planchet. Garfield's presidency, though cut short, was notable for his confrontation with Senator Roscoe Conkling over patronage appointments, a battle that ironically led to civil service reform after his assassination demonstrated the dangerous consequences of the spoils system. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was a direct result of the public outcry following Garfield's death.

Rarity Notes

Bronze 25mm format is the smaller variant in the presidential medal series. Less commonly encountered than the standard-size medals. Production figures for the 25mm format are not well documented.

Cross References

PCGS #804319; Julian PR-43