Obv: Bust of Garfield to left; inscription around, JAMES A. GARFIELD. Rev: Representation of the White House above a scene depicting a boy horseback towing boat in canal; in exergue, CANAL BOY 1845, PRESIDENT 1881.

Garfield held a seat in Congress from 1862 until his election to the Presidency. He was the compromise choice of the Republican convention in 1880, nominated on the 32nd ballot. He won the election by a razor-thin margin, only to fall to an assassin months after taking office.

The last president born in a log cabin, as a child Garfield dreamed of a seafaring life, but instead worked for a time pulling flatboats on the Ohio Canal. This medalet harks back to those early days. We offer a choice specimen.

Note: Natural patina may vary from example shown.