1850 Palmetto Regiment Medal. Silver. 48.4 mm. 4.35 grams. Extremely Fine.The state of South Carolina authorized gold and silver medals to be presented to the officers and men of the Palmetto Regiment for their participation in the Mexican-American War battles of Vera Cruz, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec and Carita de Belen. This classic American medal, struck in Charleston in 1850, is the result. It is believed that 882 specimens were awarded, 68 in gold for the officers and 814 in silver for the non-commissioned offers and enlisted men. This silver example was awarded to John Matheny, and is inscribed to him on the ribbon below the palmetto tree. Medium silver gray with splashes of rose and blue iridescence on the obverse. Some of the original prooflike character remains in the fields, and while some edge bumps and nicks are noted, the overall eye appeal is quite nice. <p>
