Exquisite high relief bronze medal designed by F. Paquet. Obv.: By Joint Resolution of Congress To The Rescuers of the Passengers Officers and Men of the Steam Ship San Francisco Wrecked Dec. 1853 / Testimonial of National Gratitude For His Gallant Conduct. Pictorial steamship at left, man kneeling being crowned by seated lady and eagle, Capitol Building at right. Rev.: 39 stars, July 26, 1866 / Man and woman on a raft looking out to sea at steamship. Signed F. Paquet. Three inches in diameter, 10 mm thick, 295 grams. When the Pacific Mail steam ship San Francisco floundered on the night of December 24, 1853, three ships saved a portion of the passengers: The Kilby; Three Bells; and Antarctic; 530 were saved, 170 perished. They were principally troops heading for the Pacific Coast. Anthony C. Paquet was born in Hamburg, Germany and came to America in 1848. Worked in Philadelphia 1850 to 1855 and in New York City 1856 to 1858 before returning to Philadelphia. He was Assistant Engraver of the Mint starting 1857, and left the post in 1864. San Francisco California