The Civil War period is one of the most favored periods of military history and collecting interest. This is evidenced by the large number of Civil War reenactors showcasing military uniforms and weapons. Other collectors might devote themselves to collecting the medals of the Civil War, but soon find that the only federally authorized medal of the Civil War was the Congressional Medal of Honor established by order of President Lincoln and signed into law July 12, 1862. Collectors will also find the Civil War Campaign Medal, but even this was only authorized by the War Department in 1907.
Yet many medal examples associated with the Civil War can be found with a few state examples and multiple Civil War veteran organizations. A closer look at the medal history of the Civil War actually shows it is quite extensive.
West Virginia Civil War Medal
One such state issued medal is the West Virginia Civil War Medal authorized in 1866 and resulting in over 26,000 medals minted for Union veterans of the state’s military units. Made by A. Demarest of New York City, they arrived in small cardboard boxes for distribution. The name, company and unit can be found on the edge.
These tokens of respect came in three versions. The greatest number of medals struck Class I – are titled “Honorably Discharged” The large obverse shows a figure of Liberty about to place a wreath
