Expert: Joe Hylas - 2/1/2005

Question
Whilst my Father was constructing a pool in his back yard to his home, many years ago, we found a coin in the dirt, the coin is, brown, just short of 3 cm in circum.  
The front states:
GEN. U.S.A. (TOP) 1807 (LEFT SIDE) 1891 (RIGHT SIDE) (FACE IN CENTER) JOSEPH EGGLESTON JOHNSON (BOTTOM)

The back states:
CMDR. ARMY OF SHENANDOAH (TOP AROUND) BLACK HAWK, SEMINOLE WARS (BOTTOM AROUND)
MAJ. GEN.
VA.VOLUNTEERS
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
FROM VA R.R. COMMISSIONER,
AUTHOR, GRADUATE WEST
POINT, BATTLES FOUGHT
MEXICAN WAR
BULL RUN,
BENTONVILLE
(IN CENTER OF COIN BACK SIDE)

Any help you could give me in regard to what this coin is and does it have a value?  I have wondered for years but I have never been able to find another anywhere on the internet, in books etc.  

Thank you


Answer
Hi Joanne,

Technically, it is not a coin but a medal.  Coins must have a denomination stated on them such as 1 cent, 10 cents, etc.

My best guess is that it is a commemorative medal that was probably struck as part of a series by a private minting concern.  1807-1891 were probably the years he was alive.

Might I suggest that you do a search on Military commemorative medals, maybe that will turn up something.

Good Luck!

Joe Hylas