1864 Medal Butler, Julian MI-30 Silver Colored Troops Before Richmond

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,600 UNC Details 01-14-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

This silver medal (Julian MI-30) is one of 197 silver specimens struck of the Butler Medal, the first U.S. military decoration specifically designed for African American troops. Major General Benjamin Butler personally funded the medals to honor USCT soldiers who distinguished themselves at the Battle of New Market Heights on September 29, 1864, where Paine's Third Division (4th, 5th, 6th, 36th, and 38th USCT) attacked Confederate fortifications southeast of Richmond. Engraved by Anthony C. Paquet at 41mm diameter and struck at the Philadelphia Mint in spring 1865. The obverse depicts two charging Black soldiers with "FERRO IIS LIBERTAS PERVENIET" ("Freedom will come to them by the sword"); the reverse reads "DISTINGUISHED FOR COURAGE" within an oak wreath. Silver medals were awarded to enlisted men and sent to the Boston firm of Bigelow & Kennard for attachment of a red, white, and blue neck ribbon with "ARMY OF THE JAMES" oak leaf ornament. Some were edge-engraved with the recipient's name. Butler stated he created the medal because it was "likely to be the only honor colored soldiers would receive for their service." President Lincoln later directed Butler to cease production, and recipients were forbidden to display the medals on their uniforms.

Rarity Notes

Rare. 197 silver specimens struck. Most remain in descendants' families. Named edge-engraved examples are of the greatest rarity. Heritage Auctions: silver examples realized $34,500 (2009) and $45,000 (2020). Known institutional specimens: Smithsonian NMAAHC, American Numismatic Society, African American Civil War Memorial Museum.

Cross References

Julian MI-30; PCGS #541796; Anthony C. Paquet engraver; Butler Medal; Army of the James; New Market Heights; USCT; Bigelow & Kennard ribbon