(1779) Silver Medal J-NA-1, Captain John Paul Jones

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,160 SP58 06-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1779 silver naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-1 honors Captain John Paul Jones for his victory over HMS Serapis. The silver composition marks this as a premium production between the bronze duplicates and the original gold presentation medal, providing collectors with a precious-metal version of Augustin Dupre's celebrated design. The obverse features Jones's portrait in naval uniform, rendered in silver. The reverse depicts the naval engagement off Flamborough Head. Silver strikings of the Jones medal were produced in very limited quantities and are significantly scarcer than bronze duplicates. The battle between Bonhomme Richard and Serapis lasted approximately three and a half hours, during which Jones's ship caught fire multiple times and took on so much water that the pumps could not keep up. At one point, one of Jones's own officers attempted to haul down the American flag to surrender, but Jones prevented it. The eventual American victory demonstrated that the Continental Navy could defeat Royal Navy warships in single-ship combat.

Rarity Notes

Silver examples are rare. Significantly less available than bronze restrikes and among the most desirable versions of this medal outside of gold.

Cross References

Julian NA-1; PCGS #668336