Collectors will soon have another historic presidential issue to pursue. On March 19, 2026, at noon EDT, the United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal.
The release honors Woodrow Wilson, who led the United States from 1913 to 1921 and shaped the nation’s role on the global stage during and after World War I.
The medal will be offered at $164 and continues the Mint’s ongoing Presidential Silver Medal Series, a modern program that recreates historic presidential medals in .999 fine silver.
A Modern Silver Tribute to Woodrow Wilson
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal contains 99.9% fine silver and arrives encapsulated in a presentation case. Each medal also includes a Certificate of Authenticity from the U.S. Mint.
The design closely follows the traditional format used across the presidential medal series.
On the obverse, a bust portrait of Wilson appears with the inscription: “WOODROW WILSON.”
Meanwhile, the reverse presents a symbolic national motif. An eagle spreads its wings while grasping crossed olive and oak branches in its talons. In the background stands the United States Capitol.
Two inscriptions commemorate Wilson’s presidential inaugurations:
- “INAUGURATED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MAR. 4, 1913”
- “SECOND TERM MAR. 5, 1917”
Together, these elements connect the medal directly to the historical moments that marked Wilson’s leadership.
Wilson’s Presidency and Global Legacy
Wilson served two terms during a transformative era in American history. As Commander in Chief, he guided the United States through World War I, a conflict that reshaped global alliances and international diplomacy.
After the war, Wilson became the principal architect and leading advocate for the League of Nations, an international organization designed to prevent future wars through diplomacy and collective security.
His diplomatic vision earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919.
Today, collectors and historians alike recognize Wilson as one of the most influential figures in early twentieth-century international policy.
From Peace Medals to Presidential Medals
The U.S. Mint’s Presidential Medal tradition stretches back far beyond modern collector programs. In fact, the series began as the Peace Medals program, a diplomatic tool used by early American leaders.
During the Colonial period, officials presented medals to Native American chiefs to strengthen alliances and foster cooperation. Later, U.S. presidents continued the practice. Leaders gave peace medals during treaty negotiations, diplomatic meetings, and other ceremonial events.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, for example, carried Thomas Jefferson peace medals in three different sizes, along with earlier medals issued during the presidency of George Washington.
However, medal production was not originally part of the Mint’s official duties. Early peace medals were therefore contracted to private engravers, often including Mint employees who used Mint equipment after hours.
That arrangement eventually changed.
Beginning with Rutherford B. Hayes, the U.S. Mint formally assumed responsibility for producing the medals. At that point, the Peace Medals series gradually transitioned into the Presidential Medals series.
The Peace Medal tradition continued alongside the presidential series for several administrations, ending with Benjamin Harrison. By then, the medals’ original diplomatic role had largely faded.
The Modern Presidential Silver Medal Program
The Mint revived presidential medal collecting in a new form in 2018.
On August 16, 2018, the Mint launched the Presidential Silver Medal Series, beginning with George Washington. These modern releases recreate classic presidential medal designs using .999 fine silver.
Unlike the historic bronze medals, which remain part of the Mint’s long-running bronze medal program, the silver series targets collectors who prefer precious-metal issues.
The Mint releases these silver medals gradually, typically adding four presidents each year in the order they served. As a result, earlier presidents appear first in the silver series.
Meanwhile, modern presidents still receive bronze medals at the end of their terms, continuing another long-standing presidential tradition.
Ordering the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal
Collectors may order the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal beginning March 19, 2026, at noon EDT through the United States Mint.
Customers can also:
- Sign up for a “Remind Me” alert for the product
- Enroll in the Presidential Silver Medal Subscription Program (Enrollment Code RJ)
- Explore additional medals in the Presidential series
With the continued popularity of modern Mint silver collectibles, the Wilson medal will likely draw strong interest from both medal specialists and presidential history collectors.
A Growing Series for Modern Collectors
The Presidential Silver Medal Series continues to bridge two traditions.
On one hand, the designs trace their origins to early American diplomacy and presidential symbolism. On the other, the .999 fine silver format appeals to today’s collectors who value modern precious-metal issues.
As the Mint continues its systematic rollout through the presidential timeline, each new release expands a series that connects American history with modern numismatic craftsmanship.
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal now joins that evolving legacy.
Specifications
- Finish: Matte
- Composition: 99.9% silver
- Weight: 1.000 troy ounce
- Diameter: 1.598 inches
- Edge: Plain
- Mint and Mint Mark: N/A
- Privy Mark: None
