Circular bronzed copper peace medal. Raised profile of James Buchanan in center. Below his right shoulder: "1857" Around edge: "James Buchanan, President of the United States" The designer's name, S.(alathial) Ellis, is below.
On reverse: "Labor, Virtue, Honor" top center, above flag with field of stars in upper left. A colonial man on left facing a Native American on the right. Ax, handle up, between them. "J.(oseph) Willson" the designer's name is below.