1861 Beauredgard 10C, NGC XF45. 17.7mm Ex-Ford Medalet. This interesting “dime” is actually a medal produce by the Confederate States of America. The color is a mixture of browns, greens, grays, with highlights of violet on the obverse. The reverse is somewhat darker with more violet toning. There is a trace of luster on the obverse at the top of Bauregard’s head. Although contact marks are minimal, there is a depression on the reverse through and below the first 1 and 8 in the date. Based on its size and shape, it appears to be a strike through error. Slag or some foreign material was caught between the planchet and die as the coin was struck.

The foreign material later fell away. The high points of both the obverse and reverse show wear in keeping with the grade of XF. The strike is weak in the central portions of both the obverse and reverse. This medal is similar to the Confederate “dime” that shows President Jefferson Davis. Some writers believe that these pieces were meant to be dimes because of the reeded edge. Others feel that they were created to be commemorative medals because many are found holed or with traces of a loop in order to hang the piece as a badge or medal.

Pierre Gustave Toutant Bauregard (note that NGC has misspelled his name on the holder), was born in Louisiana. He graduated from West Point and fought in the Mexican War. When Louisiana seceded from the Union, Bauregard had just been appointed as Superintendent at West Point. He joined the Confederate army and was made a Brigadier General. In this position, he directed the attack at Fort Sumter. The medal commemorates his victory at Bull Run, which made him a Confederate hero.