No Date Medal Richard Nixon Mule 2nd Term Obv / 1st Term Rev

Coin Details

Description

This undated medal of Richard Nixon is a mule variety combining the second-term obverse with the first-term reverse — an error in die pairing that creates a numismatically significant variety. Mule medals occur when dies from different medal programs or different versions of the same program are inadvertently paired, producing a piece that was not intended to exist. The Nixon mule combining second-term obverse and first-term reverse represents a production anomaly from the U.S. Mint's medal program. Richard Nixon's second term (1973-1974) was consumed by the Watergate scandal, which began with the June 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and escalated through a series of revelations about cover-ups, abuse of power, and obstruction of justice. Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, the only president to do so, after the House Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment and Republican congressional leaders informed him that he lacked the votes to survive a Senate trial. The mule variety is particularly interesting because it bridges the two dramatically different phases of Nixon's presidency — the first-term reverse design represents the period of significant accomplishments (China opening, SALT I, EPA creation), while the second-term obverse reflects the administration that ended in disgrace. Whether this mule was produced intentionally or through error, it creates a medal that encapsulates the full arc of Nixon's complicated presidency on a single piece.

Rarity Notes

Mule variety combining second-term obverse with first-term reverse. Mule medals are production anomalies and are considerably scarcer than standard issues. Sought by variety collectors and Nixon specialists.

Cross References

PCGS #511158