(1781) Silver Medal J-MI-7, Daniel Morgan Barre Restrike Dies

Coin Details

Auction Record

$33,600 SP64 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1781 silver military medal cataloged as Julian MI-7 honors Brigadier General Daniel Morgan for his decisive victory at the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781, one of the most tactically brilliant engagements of the American Revolution. This particular example was struck from Pierre-Simon-Benjamin Duvivier's restrike dies, indicating it was produced using replacement dies cut after the original Augustin Dupre dies wore out or were damaged. The obverse features Morgan's portrait, and the reverse depicts the battle at Cowpens or appropriate allegorical imagery. The silver composition marks this as a premium production. The "Barre restrike dies" designation refers to specific replacement dies that can be distinguished from the original Paris Mint dies by differences in detail and workmanship. Morgan's tactical plan at Cowpens was a masterpiece of battlefield psychology. He arranged his forces in three lines, instructing the militia in the front two lines to fire only two volleys before retreating behind the Continental regulars in the third line. This planned retreat drew the overconfident British cavalry under Banastre Tarleton into a devastating counterattack that destroyed the British force, killing or capturing over 80 percent of Tarleton's command.

Rarity Notes

Silver examples struck from restrike dies are scarce. The Barre restrike dies produce pieces distinguishable from the original Dupre dies.

Cross References

Julian MI-7; PCGS #889621