(c.1860-74) Bronze Medal J-LS-1, U.S. State Department Lifesaving

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 SP65 03-29-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1860-1874 bronze medal cataloged as Julian LS-1 is the U.S. State Department Lifesaving Medal in bronze, representing a more commonly produced version of the lifesaving award. Bronze versions were produced for distribution or sale alongside the gold and silver presentation medals, allowing broader recognition of lifesaving achievements without the expense of precious-metal awards. The obverse features lifesaving imagery, potentially depicting a maritime rescue scene or allegorical representation of courage and humanitarian service. The reverse carries inscriptions identifying the award and its purpose. The 1860-1874 date range indicates production during and after the Civil War period. The State Department administered the lifesaving medal program because maritime affairs fell within its jurisdiction before the establishment of specialized agencies. The program recognized that the dangers of seafaring required a formal system of honoring those who risked their lives to save others from shipwreck, drowning, and other maritime perils. Bronze versions of the medal served both as actual awards and as collector pieces documenting this important humanitarian tradition.

Rarity Notes

Bronze lifesaving medals produced in moderate quantities across the 1860-1874 period. More commonly available than silver or gold versions.

Cross References

Julian LS-1; PCGS #886538