During James Knox Polk’s Presidency America was finally connected from coast to coast, completing the largest territorial expansion in our Nation’s history. It started just three days before the 11th President’s inauguration, when sitting President John Tyler signed the joint resolution for the annexation of the Texas territory, leaving its execution to President Polk. In response, Mexico, who held the territory at the time, cut off diplomatic relations with the United States. This conflict eventually led to the Mexican-American War, lasting from 1845-1888. By the end of the war, the United States had won stunning victories well into Mexico and added land from the deserts of Texas to the shores of California to its map.
Not all was won through war – under President Polk, the Nation’s northern border was solidified with the acquisition of the Oregon territory, which was negotiated peacefully between the United States and Great Britain. Despite his successes and popularity, Polk stayed true to his promise to only serve one term, writing in his diary that he was “exceedingly relieved” to be done with the Presidency. Sadly, Polk did not get much time to enjoy his retirement, succumbing to a stomach illness only three months after leaving office.
This stunning Presidential Silver Medal commemorates James K. Polk’s Presidency in 99.9% fine silver. It was expertly crafted by the United States Mint.
The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of James Knox Polk with the inscriptions “JAMES K POLK,” “PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.,” and “1845.” The reverse (tails) features the inscription “PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP,” symbolized by two hands clasped in token of amity. On the cuff of the left wrist are three stripes and buttons; the other wrist is bare. Above the hands, the pipe of peace and tomahawk are crossed over each other.
Denomination: | N/A |
---|---|
Finish: | Matte |
Composition: | 99.9% Silver |
Silver Weight: | 1.000 troy oz. |
Diameter: | 1.598 inches |
Edge: | Plain |
Mint and Mint Mark: | N/A |
Privy Mark: | None |
Design: | Obverse Designer: John Gadsby Chapman Reverse Designer: John Reich |
Struck Under Authority of: | 31 U.S.C. § 5111(a)(2) |
During James Knox Polk’s Presidency America was finally connected from coast to coast, completing the largest territorial expansion in our Nation’s history. It started just three days before the 11th President’s inauguration, when sitting President John Tyler signed the joint resolution for the annexation of the Texas territory, leaving its execution to President Polk. In response, Mexico, who held the territory at the time, cut off diplomatic relations with the United States. This conflict eventually led to the Mexican-American War, lasting from 1845-1888. By the end of the war, the United States had won stunning victories well into Mexico and added land from the deserts of Texas to the shores of California to its map.
Not all was won through war – under President Polk, the Nation’s northern border was solidified with the acquisition of the Oregon territory, which was negotiated peacefully between the United States and Great Britain. Despite his successes and popularity, Polk stayed true to his promise to only serve one term, writing in his diary that he was “exceedingly relieved” to be done with the Presidency. Sadly, Polk did not get much time to enjoy his retirement, succumbing to a stomach illness only three months after leaving office.
This stunning Presidential Silver Medal commemorates James K. Polk’s Presidency in 99.9% fine silver. It was expertly crafted by the United States Mint.