Against Rebellion - 1861 - Medallion

[mtauer]

I am researching my great uncle who served in the 15th NY Cavalry. I have been passed down a coin or medallion that may be described as follows:

1. Around the outside are the words AGAINST (in the 7 o'clock to 11 o'clock position) REBELLION (in the 1 o'clock to 5 o'clock position) 1861 (in the 6 o'clock position).

2. In the center is a shield featuring 13 stars at the top, 7 vertical stripes at the bottom and a banner stating UNION across the middle.

3. The reverse is blank.

I am quite interested in learning more about this coin or medallion, especially with respect to its source and purpose. I am speculating that this coin/medallion represents a political statement against secession and that it may have been made in 1861 between the rush to secede (January and February) and the firing on Fort Sumpter (April). I believe that it may have come from that period because, once the was started it would be obvious that everyone in New York was 'against rebellion' ... the coin/medallion only makes sense to me before Fort Sumpter. If this hypothesis is borne out, it tells me uite a bit about the political position of my family at that time and why my great uncle was so inclined to join the fight.

I joined this forum to see if any Civil War specialists out there might be able to help. I wasn't sure which forum to use, so I started with this one. Any ideas?

Marty Auer

Allouez, Michigan

[Ozark Iron John]

Originally Posted by mtauer

I joined this forum to see if any Civil War specialists out there might be able to help. I wasn't sure which forum to use, so I started with this one. Any ideas?

Does it look anything like this, Pard?



CIVIL WAR IDENTIFICATION BADGE OF CAVALRYMAN JULIUS KROUSE - CO. G, SECOND NEW YORK CAVALRY


http://www.horsesoldier.com/catalog/c0024.html

[larry_cockerham]

OJ, that shield and the metal itself are very similar to the 1864 US two-cent piece that I received from my Granny.