1864 Medal Julian MI-30 Bronzed Copper Colored Troops Before Richmond

Coin Details

Description

This bronzed copper medal (Julian MI-30) is a variant of the Butler Medal for United States Colored Troops, distinguished by an applied dark patina over the copper substrate. The total documented mintage was 208 medals (197 silver, 11 copper), with the bronzed finish applied to some of the copper strikes. The medal was the first U.S. military decoration specifically designed for African American troops, commissioned and funded personally by Major General Benjamin Butler. Engraved by Anthony C. Paquet at 41mm diameter, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in spring 1865. The obverse depicts two Black soldiers charging a Confederate fortification with "FERRO IIS LIBERTAS PERVENIET" ("Freedom will come to them by the sword"); the reverse reads "DISTINGUISHED FOR COURAGE" and "CAMPAIGN BEFORE RICHMOND 1864" within an oak wreath. The bronzed finish creates a distinctive dark, lustrous appearance compared to the lighter tone of plain copper. Paquet likely had a small number of copper strikes made to show prospective clients the quality of his die work. The medal honors USCT valor at New Market Heights (September 29, 1864), where 14 Black soldiers earned the Medal of Honor — the majority awarded to African American troops during the entire Civil War.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Bronzed copper variant from the 11 total copper specimens (vs. 197 silver). Stack's Bowers Summer 2022 listed a bronzed copper specimen in Mint State. The bronzed finish distinguishes these from plain copper strikes.

Cross References

Julian MI-30; PCGS #541800; Anthony C. Paquet engraver; Butler Medal; Army of the James; New Market Heights; USCT; Bronzed copper variant