This plaquette's obverse bears standing three-quarter portrait of Schurz. Above shoulder on left, CARL SCHURZ / 1829 - 1906; on pedestal at bottom right VBI / LIBERTAS / IBI / PATRIA; signed and dated at right bottom corner (VDB monogram) / 1907.
The reverse bears allegorical figure of America with arm raised leading an eager immigrant onward; radiant sun at right edge. Signed at top left, V.D.BRENNER Sc.
The plaquette celebrates Carl Schurz (1829-1906), a naturalized German who rose to prominence in military service and politics. Schurz was born in Erftstadt, Germany, where he grew up to be a revolutionary fighting for the republic against the Prussian army. He had to flee Germany and eventually ended up in the United States in 1852.
He settled in Wisconsin and quickly became involved in the anti-slavery movement. An outspoken member of the Republican party, he was appointed Minister to Spain by Lincoln. During the Civil War he rose to the rank of Major General and fought in the battles of Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Chattanooga.
After the Civil War he served as Senator, Secretary of the Interior and President of the Civil Service Reform League. He was also editor of the New York Post. He is still remembered for his oft-cited quotation:
"Our country right or wrong. When right, to be kept right; when wrong to be put right."
The plaquette measures 54.7mm x 76.4mm (2.25" x 3"). The U.S. Mint struck 150 pieces in bronze.
