(1781) Bronze Medal J-MI-8, Lt.-Col. William Washington

Coin Details

Auction Record

$306 SP62BN 11-05-2015 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1781 bronze military medal cataloged as Julian MI-8 honors Lieutenant Colonel William Washington, a cousin of George Washington, for his cavalry leadership at the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781. William Washington's dragoons delivered the decisive cavalry charge that shattered Banastre Tarleton's British force, turning Daniel Morgan's tactical victory into a rout that destroyed an entire British field army. The obverse features a portrait of William Washington in military dress. The reverse depicts imagery commemorating his role at Cowpens, where his cavalry charge at the climactic moment of the battle prevented the British from recovering their formation. Washington personally engaged Tarleton in mounted combat during the pursuit, with both commanders sustaining wounds in the encounter. William Washington served throughout the southern campaign and was captured at the Battle of Eutaw Springs in September 1781. Congress authorized his gold medal on March 9, 1781, alongside medals for Morgan and John Eager Howard in recognition of the Cowpens victory. This bronze duplicate was produced at the Philadelphia Mint for collector distribution.

Rarity Notes

Bronze duplicates produced across multiple restrike periods. Less widely recognized than his famous cousin, William Washington's medals are moderately sought by Revolutionary War specialists.

Cross References

Julian MI-8; PCGS #528916