1865 New York State Volunteers Medal. Bronzed Copper. 37.4 mm. Julian MI-32, Vernon US-475. About Uncirculated.Modest prooflike reflectivity in the fields, both sides exhibit a pleasing blend of golden-brown patina and iridescent blue, pink and reddish-rose. A boldly rendered and inviting piece with only a few tiny spots on the reverse that we mention solely for accuracy. Struck to be presented to volunteers from New York who served in the Army or Navy during the Civil War, this one not inscribed with a recipients name. An important medal in that R. W. Julian in his encyclopedic Medals of the United States Mint described this previously unknown medal from only fragmentary information in Mint records. He could only note the size and that the obverse was dated 1865 and the reverse inscription began with PRESENTED TO. Here is the complete description. Obv: An eagle surmounted Seal of the State of New York with PER ARDUA SURGO above, STATE OF NEW YORK / 1865 below. Rev: A 14-line inscription PRESENTED TO / (blank) / BY R. E. FENTON, / GOVERNOR / OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. / IN PERSUANCE OF / CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS / OF THE / LEGISLATURE, / AS A MEMENTO / OF THE / COURAGE AND FIDELITY / WITH WHICH HE HAS SERVED / THE STATE, / DURING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. An interesting consideration is that this medal is valued at $1,000 in Sidney B. Vernons Collectors Guide to Orders, Medals and Decorations, Fourth Revised Edition (2000), the latest edition, although still 19 years old as of this writing.
