1779 White Metal Medal Betts-566, De Fleury at Stony Point

Coin Details

Description

This 1779 white metal medal (Betts-566) honors Lieutenant Colonel Francois-Louis Teisseidre de Fleury for his heroism at the storming of Stony Point on July 16, 1779. De Fleury was a French military engineer who volunteered for American service and distinguished himself at Brandywine, Fort Mifflin, and Stony Point. At Stony Point, he led the advance column over the walls and captured the British flag, for which Congress authorized a Comitia Americana medal — one of only eight awarded to foreign officers. The white metal composition indicates production for popular distribution. The quality of die engraving on the finest Betts medals rivals the best European artistic production of their respective periods, with master medalists achieving remarkable detail in portraits, landscapes, and battle scenes. The reverse design shows the assault on the fortification, capturing the drama of the nighttime bayonet charge that made Stony Point one of the Revolution's most celebrated actions.

Rarity Notes

White metal. De Fleury Comitia Americana medal. Popular distribution format. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-566; De Fleury; Stony Point 1779; Comitia Americana; French volunteer