No Date Medal Zachary Taylor Type 1

Coin Details

Description

This undated bronze medal of Zachary Taylor represents the Type 1 version of the twelfth president's medal in the standard 34mm collector series. The obverse features a bust of Taylor, the Mexican-American War hero whose military fame propelled him to the presidency in 1848 despite having never previously held political office or even voted in a presidential election. The reverse carries the Peace and Friendship design with clasped hands and the crossed tomahawk and peace pipe that characterized the presidential medal series. Taylor's military career, which included four decades of service culminating in victories at Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Buena Vista during the Mexican War, made him a natural candidate for the Whig Party, which had previously found success with the military hero William Henry Harrison. Taylor's presidency was tragically brief — he served only sixteen months before dying on July 9, 1850, from acute gastroenteritis following Fourth of July celebrations. Despite his short tenure, Taylor took firm positions on the crisis over slavery in the newly acquired western territories, threatening to personally lead troops against any state that attempted secession — a stance that foreshadowed the crisis that would erupt a decade later. The Type 1 designation distinguishes this die combination from later production variants. The 34mm bronze format provides an accessible collector piece honoring one of the most militarily accomplished presidents in American history.

Rarity Notes

Common. Standard Mint production for public sale. Available on the secondary market at modest cost.

Cross References

Julian IP-26 (Indian Peace Medal designation); PCGS #413503