(1864) Silver Medalet J-PR-30b, Washington-Lincoln

Coin Details

Auction Record

$240 SP63 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This silver medalet cataloged as Julian PR-30b represents a small-format version of the Washington-Lincoln commemorative design, produced during the Civil War. The PR-30 designation in Julian's catalog identifies a different die or design from the larger PR-31 medal, while the "b" suffix indicates the silver composition variant. The medalet format — typically 18mm to 25mm — provided a compact, affordable way to own this historically significant dual-president design. The pairing of Washington and Lincoln on medalets was particularly appropriate for the Civil War era, when small patriotic tokens and medalets served as expressions of Union loyalty and political sentiment. Many were carried as pocket pieces, worn as jewelry, or exchanged as tokens of shared political conviction during the divisive war years. Anthony C. Paquet, the Mint's assistant engraver during the 1860s, was prolific in creating medalet designs, and the Washington-Lincoln theme was among the most popular subjects for this format. Silver medalets occupied a premium tier above the more common copper and bronze versions, offering precious metal content in a compact format that combined affordability with material value. The Julian PR-30b represents a distinct catalog entry from the larger PR-31 medal, and collectors of the presidential medal series typically seek both formats to fully represent the Washington-Lincoln medallic legacy of the Civil War period.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Silver medalets from the 1860s survive in limited numbers. The small format made these pieces vulnerable to loss and wear, particularly when carried as pocket pieces. Well-preserved examples are sought by specialists.

Cross References

Julian PR-30b (Silver medalet); Julian PR-31 (larger medal format); Baker-245 related