1781 Bronze Medal Betts-595, Battle of Cowpens Original Dies

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,400 SP65 06-17-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1781 bronze medal (Betts-595) struck from original dies is the Battle of Cowpens Comitia Americana medal in its most desirable form. The original dies, engraved by Augustin Dupre at the Paris Mint, were commissioned by Congress to commemorate the decisive American victory on January 17, 1781. The obverse features the portrait of General Daniel Morgan, and the reverse depicts the battle with American forces routing the British. Morgan's tactical plan at Cowpens — placing militia in front with orders to fire two volleys and retreat behind the Continental regulars, creating a trap for the pursuing British — is considered one of the finest tactical achievements of the eighteenth century. The survival rate of colonial-era medals varies dramatically by material and original production quantity, with gold presentations being the rarest and bronze issues struck in larger quantities being relatively more available to collectors. Original dies strikings are the gold standard for Comitia Americana collectors.

Rarity Notes

Original dies striking in bronze. Most desirable form of the Cowpens medal. Rare.

Cross References

Betts-595; Battle of Cowpens 1781; Comitia Americana; original dies; Dupre