Commems Collection Medals: 1883 (1983) Pendleton Civil Service Act

Here's a medal from the "Franklin Mint History of the United States." The series includes 200 medals and was open for ordering in 1976-77. It includes versions in Bronze and Sterling Silver in a 45 mm diameter, and Sterling Silver and Gold in a 13 mm diameter. The large Bronze medals retailed for $3.00 each, the large Sterling Silver for $9.95. The small Sterling Silver medals sold for $2.50 each, while the small Gold medals were issued at $25 each. The Set was subscription based, and was delivered via multiple two-medal packs on a monthly basis.

Reported mintage figures are 24,836 for the large Bronze; 10,000 for the large Sterling Silver; 5,128 for the small Sterling Silver and just 63 for the small Gold.

I don't own the complete set, but have a few individual medals. I've decided to present this "1883" medal to raise awareness about its primary subject. The Civil Service Act, in broad terms, can be categorized as "little-known/appreciated," though the Act can arguably be defended as having had a very significant impact on the day-to-day operations of the Federal Government, and by extension, State and Local governments across the country.

The Civil Service Act did away with the "spoils system" (i.e., politically-driven job appointments) and replaced it with a system based on merit and qualifications (often determined by standardized examinations) that are not tied directly to the current political party in power.

I've included the informational pamphlet that accompanied the medal when it was issued - it has more information on the Civil Service Act.

The obverse of the medal presents Dorman B. Eaton (the first US Civil Service Chairman) reviewing an examination paper from an applicant in a 19th Century setting; the reverse lists noteworthy events of 1883.

1983 Civil Service Act Franklin Mint Medal


1983 Civil Service Act Franklin Mint Medal - Pamphlet






For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more Canadian commemorative stories, see: Commems Collection.