Chester A. Arthur Presidential Silver Medal

Following the assassination of President James Garfield in 1881, Vice President Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st President of the United States. During his brief Vice Presidency, Arthur had opposed Garfield’s civil service reforms, but as President became their greatest champion when he signed the Pendleton Act. This act ensured that Federal Government jobs were appointed based on skill and merit rather than political favors and nepotism, a widespread practice in American politics at the time. The reforms of the Pendleton Act still affect how most Federal Government employees are selected today.

President Arthur worked to modernize the United States Navy, pushing to replace America’s fleet of wooden sailing ships with steel, steam-powered vessels, earning him the nickname “Father of the Steel Navy.” Despite gaining popularity with the people, politicians within his own party rebelled against his meritocratic reforms, losing his party’s nomination in the subsequent election.

This stunning Presidential Silver Medal commemorates Chester A. Arthur’s Presidency in 99.9% fine silver. It was expertly crafted by the United States Mint.