Short answer
Civil War medals fall into two broad groups. The first is wartime awards, most notably the Medal of Honor, which the Army and Navy created during the war. The second is later items, such as veterans’ badges and commemorative medals, which were produced long after the fighting ended. Many items sold as “Civil War medals” belong to the second group, and many of the rest are replicas. Documentation matters more than appearance.
The Medal of Honor
Congress authorized the Navy version of the Medal of Honor in 1861 and the Army version in 1862. The two medals have different designs, but both are star-based. Designs were revised over time, so check a medal against a period reference rather than relying on one photograph. For where the Medal of Honor sits among later US awards, see military decorations and medals.
Medals were awarded for specific acts of gallantry. A recipient’s name and record are important, so when a medal comes with a named recipient, the next step is to check that person’s service record against official sources. The Army and Navy keep official records, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society publishes information on recipients.
Dr. Mary Walker is one of the best-known recipients. She is the only woman to have received the Medal of Honor. Her award was rescinded in 1917, along with others that had been reviewed, and it was restored in 1977.
Campaign and service medals during the war
Few official campaign or service medals were issued during the war itself. Many items sold today as campaign medals were made later, were privately made, or were issued by states or organizations. Be skeptical of any “campaign medal” claim that does not come with a documented source.
Veterans’ and later badges
After the war, veterans’ organizations and other groups issued badges and medals. These include Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) badges and reunion badges, as well as state veterans’ medals. The Southern Cross of Honor, presented to Confederate veterans by the United Daughters of the Confederacy starting around 1900, is another example of a later award.
These items are often collectible and can be meaningful, but they are not wartime awards. Describe them accurately when you buy or sell.
Authenticity and documentation
Several checks help separate genuine items from copies:
- Engraving. Named or unit-engraved pieces should show engraving consistent with the period. Check the wording, spacing, and depth.
- Maker marks. Look for a maker’s name or mark, and check whether it matches known examples.
- Ribbon. The ribbon should match the medal’s design and era. Mismatched or modern ribbon is a warning sign.
- Metal and finish. Check weight, color, and surface. Replicas often have a modern finish or cast detail that looks too clean.
- Documentation. Letters, discharge papers, unit records, and dated photographs are the strongest evidence. A medal with a documented history is worth far more than one without.
Medal of Honor replicas are common. If a piece is offered as a Medal of Honor, ask for the recipient’s name and the documents that support it, then check those against official records. For a fuller checklist, see how to tell if a military medal is original or a replica.
What is a war medal?
A war medal is a decoration or award given for military service during a conflict. Broad categories include:
- Decorations for valor, such as the Medal of Honor, given for specific acts of courage.
- Service medals, given for time spent in a conflict or in service.
- Campaign medals, given for participation in a particular campaign or operation.
- Wound or merit medals, given for injury or meritorious service, such as the Purple Heart.
- Commemorative medals, issued later to mark a conflict, anniversary, or group.
The category matters because it sets what documentation to expect.
Who were the Medal of Honor winners during the Civil War?
The Medal of Honor went to a relatively small number of men during the war. Dr. Mary Walker, the only woman to receive it, was awarded hers in 1865, after the fighting had ended. A full list of recipients is not practical in an article like this one. For the complete list, use the official Medal of Honor recipient records maintained by the Army and Navy, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, which publishes recipient information.
What is the most rare military medal?
No single answer is widely accepted. Rarity depends on the criteria used: the number of medals issued, the specific campaign, the service, the recipient’s documented story, or the condition of the piece. Any claim that one medal is “the rarest” should be treated with caution unless it cites an authoritative source. The question is covered in more depth in what is the most rare military medal?
What awards has the movie Civil War won?
“Civil War” is the title of several works, including Ken Burns’s 1990 documentary and a 2024 feature film. This site covers collectible military items, so it does not track film awards. For awards information, check the official award databases for the specific title you have in mind.
Related reading
Rank and branch markings on the same uniforms are covered in Civil War military insignia and rank identification. Buttons from the same period are covered in how to identify Civil War uniform buttons. For the military figures behind some of the awards, see who was the meanest general in the Civil War. Before buying a medal or other award, read where to buy Civil War uniforms for the questions to ask a seller.