Numismatic Detective -- US Mint Oath of Allegiance Medal posted by DrDarryl

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American Civil War and the US Mint

 

Washingtoniana collectors have a wide variety of interesting coin, medals and tokens to collect. I was reviewing medals listed at an auction site and found an interesting medal from the start of the American Civil War.

 

The September 2, 1861 "Oath of Allegiance" medal was used to commemorate the "allegiance to the US Constitution" requirement by US Mint officials and workers after the loss of 3 of the 5 US Mint facilities to the Confederate States of America (CSA).

 

The oath was to counter publicity about US Mint employees going over to the Confederacy. This was due to the fact the CSA retained all mint officials at the New Orleans Mint (6 months earlier), took control of the Dahlonega Mint (5 months earlier), and took control of the Charlotte Mint (4 months earlier).

 

The medal was designed by the engraver Anthony C. Paquet and attributed as Julian CM-2 and Baker 279. They were struck in gold, silver, copper and aluminum. Only 259 were struck in silver.

 

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[coinsbygary]

What an fascinating piece of history! Thank you Dr Darryl for sharing it with us.

Gary