(1781) Bronze Medal J-MI-10, Nathaniel Greene

Coin Details

Description

The circa 1781 bronze military medal cataloged as Julian MI-10 honors Major General Nathanael Greene, Washington's most trusted subordinate and the commander who engineered the strategic reconquest of the southern states during the final years of the Revolutionary War. Greene's brilliant campaign of attrition across the Carolinas in 1780-1781 systematically weakened British forces under Lord Cornwallis, contributing directly to Cornwallis's decision to march into Virginia where he was trapped and defeated at Yorktown. The obverse features a portrait of Greene in military dress. The reverse depicts imagery commemorating his southern campaign, which included the battles of Guilford Courthouse, Hobkirk's Hill, and Eutaw Springs. Although Greene technically lost most of these engagements on the battlefield, his strategy of forcing the British to fight costly actions deep in hostile territory ultimately proved decisive. This bronze duplicate was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Greene is widely regarded by historians as the finest strategic mind in the Continental Army after Washington himself. His death at age 43 in 1786 cut short what would have been a distinguished political career in the new republic.

Rarity Notes

Bronze duplicates produced across multiple restrike periods. Greene's reputation as one of the finest Revolutionary War commanders sustains strong collector interest.

Cross References

Julian MI-10; PCGS #518695