(1862) Medal DeWitt U 1862-2a Silver Uniface Union League Campaign

Coin Details

Description

This silver medal from 1862, cataloged as DeWitt U 1862-2a, is a uniface (struck on one side only) piece associated with the Union League — a network of patriotic organizations founded in Northern cities to support the Union war effort and counteract the influence of Copperhead Democrats who opposed the war. The Union League movement, which began in Philadelphia and spread to New York, Boston, and other cities, was instrumental in maintaining Northern civilian morale, raising funds for the war, and organizing African American military recruitment. The "U" prefix in the DeWitt catalog stands for "Union" rather than a candidate name. The silver composition indicates this was a premium piece, produced for Union League members or officers rather than for general distribution. The uniface format — struck on only one side — is unusual and may indicate an unfinished production, a die trial, or a deliberate design choice. Union League medals are important artifacts of Northern Civil War civilian organization and political commitment, documenting the infrastructure of patriotic voluntarism that sustained the Union war effort.

Rarity Notes

Silver uniface medal from 1862. DeWitt U 1862-2a. Union League piece. Silver composition and uniface format make this a distinctive and scarce piece.

Cross References

PCGS #930423; DeWitt U 1862-2a; Union League; Civil War patriotic organization