Mexican Border Service - Museum Gallery

November 2024

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Troops were called to the border prior to US WWI involvement to prevent a German inspired invasion using Mexicans ; and/or Border War during the Mexican Revolution, circa 1916, involving Pancho Villa? It is copper with traces of gilding, and measures about 36mm in diameter. As HK 894D in "SO-CALLED DOLLARS" by Hibler & Kappen. (See below)
The obverse depicts a U.S. soldier firing a carbine, surrounded by cactus. The legend states "Called to the Colors June 16, 1916 - For Service on the Mexican Border." This beat-up example appears to have been gilded with most worn off now.
The reverse has the familiar American Eagle with stars and military accoutrements and the words "Trust in the Lord - And - Keep Your Powder Dry [not a big problem in the SW desert].
Tokens like these were given to loved ones who served in the military during this period, including after the U.S. entry into WWI. The Border War lasted from about 1910 to 1919 and featured the pursuit of Pancho Villa by General Pershing's forces into Mexico in 1916-17.
A rare version of a "soldier's token", but quite a bit larger than the other version shown in the Moneta Museum.
So-called dollars are historical U.S. medals that commemorate a person, place or event in the
United States history. They are 33mm to 45mm in size.