1861 Medal GW-476, J-CM-2 Silver Oath of Allegiance

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,400 MS65 03-16-2019 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1861 medal GW-476 / Julian CM-2 in silver is the Oath of Allegiance medal, a Civil War-era piece that documents the loyalty oaths administered to federal employees at the outbreak of hostilities. The dual catalog numbers — Musante-Baker GW-476 in the Washington series and Julian CM-2 in the Civil War medals series — reflect its significance in both collecting fields. The silver composition elevates this piece to presentation grade, suggesting it was produced for senior Mint officials or other distinguished recipients of the oath. Silver oath of allegiance medals are considerably rarer than their bronze counterparts and represent a premium version of an already scarce issue. The Julian CM (Civil War medals) classification places this piece within the broader context of medals produced during the 1861-1865 conflict. The Oath of Allegiance medal represents a remarkable intersection of numismatic art, institutional history, and wartime politics. George Washington's image on a loyalty oath medal carried profound symbolism — it reminded the oath-taker that their allegiance was not merely to the current administration but to the constitutional republic that Washington had founded. The silver composition added gravitas to this already significant piece, making it both a commemorative medal and a tangible token of personal commitment during the nation's greatest crisis.

Rarity Notes

Silver composition. Very limited production. Silver Oath of Allegiance medals are rare and highly prized. Julian CM-2 cross-reference confirms Civil War significance.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-476; Julian CM-2; PCGS #514976; Oath of Allegiance