James A. Garfield Presidential Silver Medal

President James Garfield exemplified the American dream, demonstrating how hard work, intellect, and commitment to public service could elevate a boy born in a frontier cabin to the highest office in the land. Before becoming the 20th President of the United States, he made history as the youngest individual elected to the Ohio State Legislature and the youngest Major General in the Union Army during the Civil War. His remarkable achievements garnered admiration from many, including his predecessor, President Rutherford B. Hayes, who famously remarked, “No man ever started so low and accomplished so much in all our history.”

Garfield was a staunch advocate for ending the spoils system that awarded government positions based on political favors. He believed in making appointments based on merit and skill, eager to protect the rights of disenfranchised Americans—many of whom had survived slavery. In his inaugural address, he asserted, “There can be no permanent disfranchised peasantry in the United States.”

Tragically, only four months after his inauguration, Garfield’s vision for reform was cut short by an assassin’s bullet, and he succumbed to his wounds just 199 days into his presidency. His Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, assumed the presidency and worked to enact Garfield’s proposed reforms into law.

This stunning Presidential Silver Medal commemorates James Garfield’s Presidency, crafted from 99.9% fine silver by the United States Mint.