(1863) Medal SCH-C20 Copper, Merriam Maj. Gen. Philip Kearney

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 SP64BN 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This copper medal cataloged as SCH-C20 was produced by Joseph Merriam and depicts Major General Philip Kearny (1815-1862), one of the most dashing and tragic figures of the Civil War. Kearny, a wealthy New Yorker who had studied cavalry tactics at the French military academy at Saumur and lost his left arm leading a cavalry charge during the Mexican-American War, was already one of the most experienced combat officers in the Union Army when the Civil War began. He commanded the First New Jersey Brigade and later the First Division of the Third Corps with distinction during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. Kearny was killed on September 1, 1862, at the Battle of Chantilly, when he accidentally rode into Confederate lines during a rainstorm. His death was mourned on both sides — Confederate General Robert E. Lee sent his body back to Union lines under a flag of truce with a personal note of condolence. The SCH-C20 designation references the Schenkman catalog of Civil War medals and tokens.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Merriam-produced Civil War portrait medals in copper are uncommon and Philip Kearny examples have dedicated collector interest.

Cross References

PCGS #889663; SCH-C20; Joseph Merriam; Major General Philip Kearny