1901 William McKinley Presidential Medal. Silver. 77.1 mm. 263.7 grams. cf. Failor-Hayden 124. Mint State.A rare silver striking of this type, produced in honor of the 25th president of the United States. Lovely lavender-gray patina blankets both sides, direct lighting calling forth iridescent undertones of gold, powder blue and pinkish-lilac. The surfaces are satiny in texture with boldly rendered features and a pleasingly smooth appearance in hand. A small mark on McKinleys upper lip should serve as a useful identifier. This is a fitting tribute to the slain president, who died September 14, 1901 after being shot by Polish-American anarchist Leon Frank Czolgosz a week earlier. The first silver impression from these dies that we have handled in recent memory, and a significant find for the advanced collector.
