type

Medal

name

Metis Shipwreck Lifesaving Medal

date

1873

mint

Philadelphia

composition

Bronze

country

USA

diameter

64 mm

obverse_description

The obverse shows a lifesaving scene. A man is standing in a boat, a coil of rope under his left arm, he directs oarsmen with his right hand to pull for the wreck of the Metis.

reverse_description

'BY RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS, FEBRUARY 24, 1873. With the inscription 'TO [blank] FOR COURAGE AND HUMANITY IN THE SAVING OF LIFE FROM THE WRECK OF THE STEAMER "METIS" ON LONG ISLAND SOUND

subject_matter

LIfesaving Medals

notes

Congressional medal was authorized February 24, 1873 to be presented to the Captain and 9 others for their rescue of 32 persons. The original medal was designed by William & Charles E. Barber.