1881 James A. Garfield Memorial Medal. By Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. Julian PR-21. Bronze. MS-65 BN (NGC). 77 mm. This type replaced the original Garfield Presidential medal, Julian PR-20, after the latter was used for only a few years. Curiously, Julian reports that there is no mention of this new reverse in Mint records. The author further notes:<p><em>"It occurs, however, in the </em>mahogany<em> finish for copper-bronzed (Smithsonian collection) and for this reason alone is listed as being struck prior to 1892. The wreath on the reverse is the same as used on the Lincoln presidential and shows that the Garfield assassination reverse was not used until after June, 1886."</em><p>The present example, therefore, likely dates to the years from late 1886 to 1892. In any event, it is a solidly graded Gem with strong visual appeal.
