103342 | UNITED STATES & GERMANY. Woodrow Wilson cast iron Medal.

103342  |  UNITED STATES & GERMANY. Woodrow Wilson cast iron Medal. Issued 1915. American Neutrality (57mm, 93.60 g, 12h). By Karl Goetz in München.

 

• WOODROW • WILSON • / LIBERTY • NEVTRALITY • HVMANITY, bust of U.S. president Woodrow Wilson facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath and stole decorated with imperial eagle of Germany and double eagle of Austria-Hungary // AMERIKA'S NEVTRALES • HANDELN (America's "neutral" action), Uncle Sam seated left on cannon balls, presenting battleship and holding bag of money [$]100[,]000; canon in background. Edge: Some light filing marks as made, otherwise plain.

 

Kienast 149; The Art of Devastation, p. 143, fig. 6 & p. 274, no. 69; Böttcher Coll. 5428. Mint State Details. Deep forest green-charcoal surfaces, with dustier highlights around the devices; a few very minor spots of rust are noted, fairly consistent with the metal type, and accounting for the designation.

 

Following the outbreak of the European conflict that would become the world's first war, the United States immediately wanted to refrain from entering into the fray, with President Woodrow Wilson declaring that America would have a policy of strict and impartial neutrality. What was expressed publicly by the government, however, didn't match private sentiments, with numerous American institutions lending financial support to the Allies, giving the United States a stake in the outcome. After the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, sentiments shifted even further, with increased support of not only continuing financial aid, but also outright entry into the growing conflict. This medal pokes fun at Wilson's neutrality as seen from the German point of view, with Uncle Sam handing over money and munitions to Germany's enemies.

 

Upload: 5 January 2026.

 

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