1866 Bronzed Bronze Medal J-PE-20, Gen. George R. Meade

Coin Details

Description

The 1866 bronzed copper medal Julian PE-20 honors Major General George Gordon Meade (1815-1872), the Union Army commander who defeated Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1-3, 1863 — the bloodiest engagement of the American Civil War and the turning point of the conflict. Congress authorized a gold medal and the thanks of the nation to Meade on January 28, 1866, recognizing his leadership during the decisive three-day battle that ended Lee's second invasion of the North. This 80mm bronzed copper striking is a duplicate of the gold presentation medal, produced by the U.S. Mint for public sale and institutional distribution. The obverse features a portrait of Meade in military uniform, rendered with the formal gravitas appropriate to a Congressional medal recipient. George Meade was appointed commander of the Army of the Potomac just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg, replacing Joseph Hooker. Despite having minimal time to prepare, Meade organized his forces on favorable ground, withstood Confederate assaults including Pickett's Charge on July 3, and inflicted losses that permanently crippled the Army of Northern Virginia's offensive capability. The inscriptions identify the recipient and the congressional authorization. The reverse carries an allegorical or battle-related scene appropriate to a Civil War military medal, with the inscription detailing the congressional resolution and the specific actions being recognized. At 80mm in diameter, this is a large-format personal medal in the Julian PE (Personal) series — the classification system established by Robert W. Julian for U.S. Mint medals honoring specific individuals. The bronzed finish involves a chemical treatment of the copper surface to produce a rich brown patina, distinguishing these pieces from bright, untreated copper strikings.

Rarity Notes

U.S. Mint bronzed copper duplicate of the congressional gold medal. 80mm format. Julian PE-20. Production quantities for 19th-century Mint medals were typically modest, with strikings available by special order. Surviving examples in well-preserved condition are scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #929259; NGC #951891 (Julian medals); Julian PE-20; Congressional Resolution January 28, 1866; Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863