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
