(1886) Bronze Medal J-PR-45, Chester A. Arthur

Coin Details

Auction Record

$59 NGC Genuine 03-17-2021 eBay

Description

The 1886 bronze medal of Chester A. Arthur, cataloged as Julian PR-45, was struck at the United States Mint in the year of Arthur's death. Arthur served as the twenty-first President from September 19, 1881, following Garfield's assassination, until March 4, 1885. His unexpected ascent to the presidency from the vice presidency marked one of the most dramatic transformations in American political history — the former Stalwart political operative and New York Customs House collector became a champion of civil service reform, signing the Pendleton Act in 1883 to establish merit-based federal employment. The obverse features Arthur's portrait, depicting the president known for his impeccable fashion sense and mutton-chop whiskers. Arthur was frequently called "Elegant Arthur" or the "Gentleman Boss" for his refined appearance and manners, which contrasted sharply with the rough-and-tumble patronage politics of his earlier career. The reverse carries the standard presidential identification inscription used throughout the Julian PR series. Arthur's presidency also saw the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the modernization of the U.S. Navy, and the first federal immigration law. He chose not to vigorously pursue the 1884 Republican nomination, partly due to a secret diagnosis of Bright's disease, and died on November 18, 1886 — the same year this medal was struck. The 1886 dating of Julian PR-45 may reflect a memorial dimension to its production, as the Mint honored the recently deceased president.

Rarity Notes

Standard U.S. Mint bronze presidential medal. Struck in the year of Arthur's death, which may give this issue modest historical premium. Available in the numismatic market.

Cross References

PCGS #681787; Julian PR-45