Obv: Jugata busts of Garfield and Arthur facing left. Rev: Around, J. A. GARFIELD C. A. ARTHUR enclosing shield inscribed, UNION.

The Republican convention of 1880 was deadlocked over the nomination for president, with the conservative Stalwarts backing ex-President Grant and the moderate Half-Breeds supporting Maine senator James Blaine. Garfield was a supporter of fellow Ohioan John Sherman, and his nominating speech so impressed the convention that he, not Sherman, became the focus of attention. Despite Garfield's own efforts to remove his name from consideration, a coalition formed behind him and on the 36th ballot he was given the nomination.

Chester Arthur, a leader of the Grant faction, was nominated for vice president in an effort to conciliate the Stalwarts. Many viewed the former customhouse collector unfit for the nation's second-highest office. When Garfield was gunned down by a disappointed office-seeker barely four months after his inauguration, Arthur would have to prove his fitness for another office, the presidency itself.

We offer a choice specimen of this jugate campaign medalet for Garfield and Arthur.

Note: Natural patina may vary from example shown.