-
Inventory:
4 In Stock
- Product ID: 47461
Checkout
The William Henry Harrison Presidential Silver Medal is a 1-ounce .999 fine silver commemorative piece issued by the United States Mint as part of the ongoing Presidential Silver Medal series. This series honors each U.S. president in chronological order, reviving the tradition of Indian Peace Medals originally used by the U.S. government in the 18th and 19th centuries to foster diplomatic relations with Native American tribes. William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States, is best known for having the shortest presidential term in American history, serving just 31 days before his death in 1841. Though his presidency was brief, his earlier career as a military leader, territorial governor, and statesman left a profound legacy. The silver medal that bears his name honors both his military reputation and his pivotal role in the expansion of the early American frontier.
Before ascending to the presidency, William Henry Harrison had a lengthy and impactful career in public service. He gained national fame for his leadership during the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, which earned him the nickname "Old Tippecanoe." He served as governor of the Indiana Territory and played a key role in negotiating numerous treaties with Native American tribes, many of which resulted in the acquisition of large tracts of land for U.S. expansion. Harrison also served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, further cementing his political stature. Although his time as president was tragically cut short, his election represented a significant moment in the political history of the United States, as it marked the rise of the Whig Party and demonstrated the power of campaign symbolism and popular appeal.
The obverse of the William Henry Harrison Presidential Silver Medal features a classical-style left-facing portrait of Harrison. The design is based on historical 19th-century medal engravings and reflects the neoclassical aesthetic popular during that era. The image captures Harrison with a resolute expression, dressed in a high-collared coat typical of the period. The surrounding inscription reads “WILLIAM H. HARRISON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1841,” denoting the year of his short-lived presidency. The fine detail in the portrait, including the curls of his hair and the folds of his attire, is sharply rendered thanks to the modern striking techniques used by the U.S. Mint. The frosted finish of the relief contrasts elegantly with the satin background, giving the medal a refined, historically authentic appearance.
The reverse design of the medal continues the longstanding imagery used throughout the Presidential Silver Medal series. It features the symbolic “Peace and Friendship” motif that first appeared on U.S. Indian Peace Medals during the early 1800s. At the center of the reverse are two clasped hands—one in a military uniform sleeve and the other wearing a Native American-style wristband—representing a gesture of alliance and goodwill. Above the hands are a ceremonial tomahawk and a pipe, crossed to symbolize both potential conflict and the opportunity for peaceful diplomacy. The inscription “PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP” arches above the central design. This powerful image was a staple of early U.S. foreign policy, particularly in dealings with tribal nations, and reinforces the diplomatic roots of the original peace medal program that this modern series continues.
The William Henry Harrison medal is produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which is responsible for all releases in the Presidential Silver Medal series. As is customary for U.S. Mint medals, it carries no mintmark. Each medal is struck from one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and has a diameter of 40.6 millimeters. The satin finish, also referred to as matte or uncirculated, gives the medal a subtle, smooth texture that accentuates the design’s depth and fine lines. This finish is well-suited for highlighting classical engravings, making it ideal for a series rooted in historical reproductions. The craftsmanship of the Philadelphia Mint ensures that each medal meets the highest standards of modern minting while honoring the techniques and styles of early American medallic art.
The mintage of the William Henry Harrison Presidential Silver Medal is not fixed; it is determined by customer demand. The U.S. Mint opens sales to the public without a pre-set mintage limit, though overall production tends to be modest due to the niche nature of the product. Each medal is individually packaged in a clear, airtight capsule, which is then placed in a durable black presentation folder with an official certificate of authenticity. This packaging serves both to protect the medal and to enhance its display value, making it suitable for collectors, historians, and gift recipients alike. As part of a larger series, the Harrison medal adds to the growing appeal of collecting these medals as a complete set.
In terms of condition, the medal is issued as uncirculated, which in this context refers to a special satin finish produced with carefully polished dies and blanks. Uncirculated Presidential Silver Medals exhibit full detail, clean edges, and uniform surfaces without the high reflectivity of proof coins. The William Henry Harrison medal shows crisp detail in the portrait, particularly in the eyes, facial structure, and period costume. On the reverse, the fine lines of the clasped hands, tomahawk, and pipe are clearly defined and free from wear or handling marks. Many collectors choose to submit their medals to third-party grading services such as NGC or PCGS, where high grades like SP69 or SP70 further attest to the medal’s pristine condition and production quality.
Historically, William Henry Harrison is a fascinating figure. Though he holds the unfortunate distinction of being the president with the shortest term, his influence on American history extends far beyond his time in office. As a military leader and statesman, he shaped the early territorial expansion of the United States and played a central role in the federal government’s policy toward Native Americans. The silver medal commemorating his presidency brings attention to this broader legacy, inviting reflection on both his public achievements and the historical complexities of U.S. westward expansion. His campaign in 1840, notable for the “Log Cabin and Hard Cider” imagery, also introduced the modern era of political marketing and public engagement in presidential elections.
The Presidential Silver Medal series provides collectors with an accessible and historically meaningful way to explore the American presidency. Each medal offers a consistent size, finish, and artistic style, allowing for uniform presentation across a multi-piece collection. For those pursuing a complete set, the William Henry Harrison medal represents an essential installment, capturing the contributions of a key early figure in American history. Its large silver surface, quality strike, and resonant imagery make it a standout piece that complements the series’ broader mission of honoring the legacy of each U.S. president through high-quality medallic art.
The 1-ounce .999 fine silver William Henry Harrison Presidential Silver Medal is a dignified tribute to a president whose service to the country spanned far beyond his brief time in the White House. With its historically accurate design, high-quality production, and symbolic reverse, the medal offers collectors and historians alike a meaningful way to connect with the past. Whether acquired as part of the complete Presidential Silver Medal series or as a standalone commemoration of Harrison’s legacy, the piece stands as a testament to both the ideals and the complexities of early American leadership. It is a tangible, artful representation of a pivotal figure in the nation’s story, struck with the care and precision that the subject’s legacy deserves.