(1779) Bronze Medal J-MI-3, General Anthony Wayne

Coin Details

Auction Record

$11,400 MS66BN 03-25-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1779 bronze military medal cataloged as Julian MI-3 honors Brigadier General Anthony Wayne for his daring nighttime bayonet assault on the British fortification at Stony Point, New York on July 16, 1779. Wayne's attack captured the heavily fortified position overlooking the Hudson River in a bold operation conducted entirely with bayonets to maintain silence, earning Wayne the nickname "Mad Anthony" for his audacious tactical approach. The obverse features a portrait of Wayne in military dress. The reverse depicts imagery commemorating the Stony Point assault, one of the most dramatic small-unit actions of the Revolutionary War. Congress authorized the gold medal on September 26, 1779, recognizing Wayne's personal courage in leading the attack despite being wounded during the assault. Wayne went on to become one of the most important military commanders of the early republic, leading the Legion of the United States to victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 and negotiating the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, which opened much of Ohio to American settlement. This bronze duplicate was produced at the Philadelphia Mint for collector distribution.

Rarity Notes

Bronze duplicates produced across multiple restrike periods. Wayne's enduring military reputation ensures steady collector demand.

Cross References

Julian MI-3; PCGS #528913