(1804) Bronze Medal J-NA-3, Original Dies Commodore Edward Preble

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,360 MS62BN 06-16-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1804 bronze naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-3 with original dies honors Commodore Edward Preble for his leadership during the First Barbary War (1801-1805). Preble commanded the Mediterranean Squadron and conducted an aggressive campaign against the city of Tripoli in 1804, bombarding the harbor fortifications and leading boat attacks against the Tripolitan fleet. Though Preble was recalled before the war ended, his aggressive tactics laid the groundwork for the eventual American victory. The obverse features Preble's portrait in naval dress. The reverse carries commemorative imagery of the Tripoli campaign. The "Original Dies" designation confirms this was struck from the first set of dies produced for the medal, distinguishing it from later restrikes using replacement dies. Preble's most famous subordinate during the Tripoli campaign was Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, who led the daring raid to burn the captured frigate USS Philadelphia in Tripoli harbor on February 16, 1804 — an action that British Admiral Horatio Nelson reportedly called "the most bold and daring act of the age." Congress awarded Preble a gold medal for his overall leadership of the Mediterranean campaign.

Rarity Notes

Bronze from original dies is scarce. The Barbary War medals are among the earliest American naval commemoratives and attract strong specialist interest.

Cross References

Julian NA-3; PCGS #678272