A General George Gordon Mead Medal on the 155 Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg
BillJones
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Here is a bronze copy of a gold medal that the Union League of Philadelphia awarded to General George Gordon Meade in the summer of 1866. The mintage for the bronze piece is “something over 100 pieces” although I’m sure it’s well under 200. The dies were cut by Anthony Paquet and are said to be among his best works.
The Union League awarded this medal during a time when General Daniel Sickles was trying to claim that he was the true victor as Gettysburg. Sickles foolishly led his men away from the high ground, in the Round Top area, on the left side of the Union line into and exposed area known as the peach orchard. He got his leg shot off for his trouble.
Sickles would be last surviving general of the Civil War. He died in 1914. He kept his amputated leg with him in a little casket.
Meade was the true Union leader and victorious officer in charge at Gettysburg. Although he remained the nominal head of the Army of the Potomac, U.S. Grant took charge after he was promoted to head the entire operation in March of 1864
Comments
@BillJones Very cool medal and extremely cool history, as usual. I have to admit that posts such as your post above, with all its fascinating information, lead me to wonder why I don't collect medals as well as coins. It usually takes me a while to swat down that traitorous thought and once again focus solely on coins!!
Nice medal @BillJones .
I have always greatly appreciated Paquets medallic artwork.
Meade must have had a prominent wart or mole on his nose to be depicted on the medal.