The United States Mint will begin selling the Andrew Johnson Presidential Silver Medal later today. The seventeenth medal in the Presidential Silver Medal series will go on sale at Noon Eastern, 9:00 AM Pacific on the Mint’s site. The Mint has no production limit on this medal, nor is there a household limit on the number that can be purchased. The medal is priced at $75.00.
Andrew Johnson (December 29, 1808 – July 31, 1875) was the 17th president of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. He assumed the presidency following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, as he was vice president at that time. Johnson was a Democrat who ran with Lincoln on the National Union Party ticket, coming to office as the Civil War concluded. He favored quick restoration of the seceded states to the Union without protection for the newly freed people who were formerly enslaved. This led to conflict with the Republican-dominated Congress, culminating in his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868. He was acquitted in the Senate by one vote.
The obverse (heads) depicts a bust of Andrew Johnson with the inscriptions “ANDREW JOHNSON,” “PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,” and “1865.”
The reverse (tails) depicts an American Indian clasping the hand of Columbia. Between them sits a bust of Washington and the inscription “PEACE.” Around them are elements symbolic of American life, both native and industrial.
For those who want to purchase the Andrew Johnson Presidential Silver Medal, you will need to be on the Mint’s site on August 14th at Noon Eastern. Note that the Mint does offer a subscription program for the Presidential Silver Medal series, which assures you get each medal in the series along with free shipping.