West Virginia became the 35th state on 20 June 1863.  At that time, 
Wheeling was the capital.  In 1870 the capital was moved to 
Charleston, then back to Wheeling in 1875 and then back to Charleston 
in 1885.  


The West Virginia legislature authorized the minting of 26,099 medals 
for the Union veterans who served in West Virginia units.  This was 
in 1866, three years after West Virginia became a separate state.


The medals were made of copper, not to exceed $1.00 per medal.  There 
were three categories: Class I, for Honorably Discharged veterans, 
Class II for those Killed in Battle, and Class III For Liberty, for 
those who died of disease and wounds received in battle.

It was the state showing their appreciation for the veterans.  Many 
medals were not claimed because the state was unable to contact the 
veterans.  There were over 5,000 unclaimed medals one hundred years 
after the war.  Today there are about 4,000 unclaimed medals.  These 
medals come in the original cardboard box with the name and unit of 
the veteran handwritten in ink on the top and one side.   


On the face of the medal, to the right, is the figure of Liberty, 
with both arms extended.  In her right hand is a laurel wreath, which 
she is about to place on the head of a soldier who is stepping 
forward to be crowned; and in her left hand, she is holding a scroll 
which the soldier is receiving.  Behind Liberty is the American eagle 
and behind the soldier is a sheaf of  wheat or oats.  Below the 
figures are the state seal and motto, and the dates 1861 and 1865.  
On the reverse side is the inscription "Presented by the state of 
West Virginia" and the name of the producing company, "A. Demarest, 
N.Y." The medal is suspended on a red, white and blue ribbon, four 
inches long. 

The information for this is taken from article written by Francis 
Neale Smith in the National Genealogical Society Newsletter, 
March/April 1999.