(1779) Bronze Medal Betts-566, Original Dies De Fleury at Stony Point

Coin Details

Auction Record

$72,000 MS63BN 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

Betts-566 in bronze from original dies is the Comitia Americana medal honoring Lieutenant Colonel Francois-Louis Teissedre de Fleury for his heroism at the Battle of Stony Point on July 16, 1779. De Fleury, a French volunteer serving in the Continental Army, was the first man to enter the British fortification during Mad Anthony Wayne's daring nighttime bayonet assault. He personally hauled down the British flag from the rampart, an act of extraordinary courage under fire. The Continental Congress authorized this medal as part of the Comitia Americana series, the new nation's highest military honors. The obverse features de Fleury's portrait, while the reverse depicts the storming of the fort. The "Original Dies" designation indicates this was struck from the original eighteenth-century dies at the Paris Mint, distinguishing it from later restrikes. Bronze original-die strikings of Comitia Americana medals are among the most important items in Revolutionary War numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Bronze from original dies. Comitia Americana series. Extremely important Revolutionary War medal. Very scarce.

Cross References

Betts-566; PCGS #524988