Butler Medal
- On View
- Slavery and Freedom Gallery
- Museum Maps
- Objects in this Location
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- Manufactured by
- United States Mint, American, founded 1792
- Designed by
- Paquet, Anthony C., German, 1814 - 1882
- Commissioned by
- Gen. Butler, Benjamin Franklin, American, 1818 - 1893
- Date
- 1865
- Medium
- copper
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 1 9/16 in. (4 cm)
- Description
- An Army of the James Medal, also known as The Butler Medal, consisting of an unpierced copper medal with no suspender or attached ribbon. The front of the medal contains an engraved wreath of what appears to be holly with a bow at the center and a single five-sided star flanking the lower left and right side of the wreath. Around the outside of the wreath are the words, "DISTINGUISHED FOR SERVICE." At the center of the wreath are the words, "CAMPAIGN BEFORE RICHMOND / 1864."The reverse side of the medal is engraved with a depiction of a group of African American soldiers storming a Confederate occupied military fort. Surrounding the engraving are Latin words within an unfurled banner "FERRO IIS LIBERTAS PERVENIET." Below the engraving are the words, "U.S. COLORED TROOPS."
- Place made
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Awards and Medals
- Type
- medallions (medals)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2011.155.307
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions