(1800) Bronze Medal J-NA-2, Plain Border Cpt. Thomas Truxtun

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,560 MS66BN 10-30-2018 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1800 bronze naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-2 with plain border honors Captain Thomas Truxtun for his victories during the Quasi-War with France (1798-1800). Truxtun commanded the frigate USS Constellation and defeated the French frigate L'Insurgente on February 9, 1799, capturing the enemy vessel in one of the first major American naval victories. He later fought the larger French frigate La Vengeance to a draw on February 1, 1800. The obverse features Truxtun's portrait in naval dress. The reverse carries commemorative imagery of his victories. The "plain border" designation distinguishes this die variety from versions with decorated or ornamented borders, an important collecting distinction within the Truxtun medal series. Truxtun's victories during the Quasi-War established the United States Navy as a capable fighting force and validated the investment in the six original frigates authorized by Congress in 1794. The capture of L'Insurgente was the first time an American warship had captured a foreign naval vessel in combat, a milestone in American naval history.

Rarity Notes

Bronze with plain border produced in limited quantities. The original dies variant is distinguished from restrikes by border treatment.

Cross References

Julian NA-2; PCGS #678270