From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
March 31, 2025

mounting “insurrection coin” with 21mm copper wire

My cousin LOUIS GOLINO is a knowledgeable numismatist who writes for some of the most respected coin organizations and publications.

As a long-time casual coin collector, I enjoy his articles because they’re interesting and he presents solid information in a clear, inviting way.

Recently I read his article “Controversy Surrounds January 6 Medals” in the American Numismatic Association’s readingroom.money.org.

The 1.5″ and 3″ medals, designed and sculpted by artist JOHN P. McGRAW, are bronze duplicates of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded to U.S. Capitol police and other officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

The U.S. Mint 1.5″ medal – the obverse shown here – is a bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded to U.S. Capitol police and other officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The front features the U.S. Capitol and date ‘January 6th, 2021.’ (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

After reading the article, I was so interested in the medal – because of the heroes it honors, its design, and the controversy surrounding how the Trump administration altered its official description – that I visited its U.S. Mint page.

The obverse (front side) of the medal prominently features the U.S. Capitol and has “January 6th, 2025” along the bottom.

The reverse (back side) includes design elements quite specific to January 6th. The inscription “Honoring the service and sacrifice of those who protected the U.S. Capitol” has a U.S. Capitol Police 1828 badge above it and a Metropolitan Police 1861 badge below it.

Along the left edge of the back is an American flag with “Act of Congress 2021” at the bottom. That refers to how “Public Law 117-32 authorized ‘four congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.'” [info from usmint.gov]

The U.S. Mint 1.5″ medal – the reverse shown here – is a bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded to U.S. Capitol police and other officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. . (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

I ordered the smaller medal, which was a reasonable size (1.5″ diameter) and price ($20). To help make the medals widely available, there’s no mintage limit, product limit, nor household order limit.

Then, after researching online how to mount a coin, I bought 21mm copper wire that’s tarnish resistant, a jewelry wire cutter, and pair of 6 in 1 ball making pliers.

Mounting the medal/coin
1. First wrap 21mm copper wire around the edge of the coin, and add an extra 1.5″ to that length.
Cut five strands of wire each that total length.
2. Next, wrap the five strands of wire around the coin, with the middle of the strands at the bottom of the coin.
Using three short pieces of wire, lash the five strands together where they’re at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock around the coin.
3. Then, at the top of the coin, wrap a wire (a few inches long) twice around the 10 strands, where the five wires overlap.
With that wire create a loop a necklace cord can fit through.
Next wrap that wire once around the 10 strands, and then twist it around the looped wire so the loop’s two strands thick.
Then wrap the wire around the 10 strands a final two times.
Or use a separate wire to make the loop for the necklace.
4. Finally, using the ball pliers, create a small coil from each of the ten ends of wire flaring at the top of the medal.

I’m happy I mounted the January 6 bronze medal and look forward to wearing it hanging from a 3mm thick black woven cord. But I wouldn’t personally mount any coin or medal that’s expensive or has a mintage limit.

Why? Thanks to my imperfect control of the copper wires, my January 6th bronze medal now has little battle scars. (No need to mention that to my cousin Louis)

January 6 Bronze Medal: my PHOTO GALLERY

U.S. Mint: United States Capitol Police and Those Who Protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 Bronze Medal: usmint.gov/united-states-capitol-police-and-those-who-protected-the-us-capitol-on-january-6-2021-bronze-medal-MASTER_MDJ6.html

“Controversy Surrounds January 6 Medals” by Louis Golino: readingroom.money.org/controversy-surrounds-january-6-medals

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Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s Swearing-in Celebration

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From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
January 26, 2025 PHOTO ESSAY

Rep. Laura Gillen’s (NY-04) swearing-in celebration in Elmont

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At left, Rep. STEVE ISRAEL administers oath to Rep. LAURA GILLEN as her husband CHRIS FINEGAN holds the Bible, during Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

While processing my news photos of Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration yesterday, I visited Facebook during a quick break.

I was struck by how powerfully the following Facebook post, and one of its replies in particular, conveyed how it felt being at the event. (I have permission to share them here):

from Lauren Corcoran-Doolin’s facebook post about Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration that afternoon:

Lauren Corcoran-Doolin
January 25 at 6:52pm
Today had some special vibes! Some people just remind you to keep going xo

Tammie Williams-Pittman
January 25 at 10:54pm
It was like a family reunion ❤️

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s brother PETER GILLEN, mother ELAINE GILLEN, and brother JAMES GILLEN pose for photo before the representative’s swearing-in celebration begins at the Elmont Public Library. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• Click on any photo to see it in a larger size •

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At extreme right, NICOLE GRODNER, Local 290 business representative of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters (UBC), and other L.I. union members, are guests at Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Town of Hempstead Councilwoman DOROTHY GOOSBY and JONATHAN PREBOST are guests at Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, emcee of celebration

NATIONAL ANTHEM – Kim Domage, Calvary Tabernacle

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At podium, KIM DOMAGE, from Calvary Tabernacle, sings the National Anthem during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. From L-R are Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral and Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY of Union Baptist Church. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

INVOCATION – Rev. Michael Ngoka, St. Agnes Cathedral

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. Standing at left, Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral, goes to Rep. LAURA GILLEN after he gives the Invocation during her swearing-in celebration.(© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

WELCOME REMARKS – Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. L-R, Rep. Laura Gillen’s brother PETER GILLEN, mother ELAINE GILLEN, and two youngest children are listening to NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’ remarks during the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. Laura Gillen’s two youngest children are listening to NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’ remarks during the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

REMARKS – Congressman Gregory Meeks

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, Congresswoman LAURA GILLEN and her husband CHRIS FINEGAN listen to Congressman Meeks’ remarks during Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH – Congressman Steve Israel

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At podium, Rep. STEVE ISRAEL gives remarks during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. Seated, L-R, are Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY of Union Baptist Church, Congresswoman LAURA GILLEN, her husband CHRIS FINEGAN, Congressman GREGORY MEEKS, and KIM DOMAGE. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

SPECIAL REMARKS & INTRODUCTION – Chris Finegan

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. CHRIS FINEGAN gives special remarks before introducing his wife, Congresswoman Laura Gillen, during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. CHRIS FINEGAN gives a compliment in a humorous, off-hand way before introducing his wife, Rep. Laura Gillen ,during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

REMARKS – Congresswoman Laura Gillen

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. LAURA A. GILLEN ( NY, 4th District) makes remarks during the celebration of her swearing-in as a freshman member of Congress. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. LAURA GILLEN puts her hands to her heart as she gives remarks during her swearing-in celebration. At right are NYS Assemblywoman MICHAELLE SOLAGES and Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

CLOSING PRAYER – Rev. Dr. Sedgwick Easley, Union Baptist Church

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At podium, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY, of Union Baptist Church, gives the Closing Prayer at Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At podium, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY, of Union Baptist Church, gives the Closing Prayer, and, from L-R, are Rep. LAURA GILLEN, her husband CHRIS FINEGAN, and Congressman GREGORY MEEKS, at Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

COMMUNITY

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At lower left, NAGINDER SINGH gives Rep. LAURA GILLEN news articles Singh collected about Gillen’s campaign, at the end of the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, NAGINDER SINGH and Rep. LAURA GILLEN, wearing a fuchsia Indian garment, pose for photo at the end of the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, ELLEN LEDERER DeFRANCESCO and New York State Senator SIELA BYNOE pose for photo during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At center, Rep. LAURA GILLEN poses with union members, including from Local 290 of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Congresswoman LAURA A. GILLEN (NY-04) gives remarks during her swearing-in celebration at Elmont Public Library.

Congresswoman Laura Gillen event: my PHOTO GALLERY

Two of my earlier posts featuring Laura Gillen:
• Jan. 2018: Inaugurating a new era for Long Island
• April 2018: Steve Israel brings out his big guns on Long Island

CONTACT ME

Elmont, N.Y., U.S. January 25, 2025. Congresswoman LAURA GILLEN (Dem. NY-04) speaks during her swearing-in celebration at the Elmont Public Library. At right are Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW and N.Y.S. Assembly Deputy Majority Leader MICHAELLE SOLAGES. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

From Long Island

ann parry photography blog

Rep. Laura Gillen reaches across the aisles at Hofstra town hall

Mounting the U.S. Mint January 6 Bronze Medal

Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s Swearing-in Celebration