"1814" Bronze Medal FH-416, Maj. Gen. Macomb

Coin Details

Description

This bronze restrike medal cataloged as Fuld-Higby 416 commemorates Major General Alexander Macomb and his defense of Plattsburgh, New York during the War of 1812. In September 1814, Macomb commanded a vastly outnumbered American force of roughly 3,400 troops against a British invasion force of over 10,000 veterans fresh from the Napoleonic Wars. His successful defense of Plattsburgh, combined with the simultaneous American naval victory on Lake Champlain under Commodore Thomas Macdonough, forced the British retreat into Canada and helped secure favorable terms in the Treaty of Ghent. Congress awarded Macomb a gold medal for his service, and this bronze striking reproduces that Congressional tribute. The obverse depicts Macomb in military uniform with appropriate inscriptions identifying his rank and achievement. The reverse illustrates the Battle of Plattsburgh with fortifications and the surrounding terrain. The FH designation refers to the Fuld-Higby catalog of United States military medals, the standard reference for Congressional and other government-authorized martial awards. These later restrikes were produced from original or copy dies to supply collector demand for the Congressional medal series.

Rarity Notes

Bronze restrike from later die state. Available in the numismatic market as part of the Congressional medal restrike program. Not scarce but collected as part of the complete War of 1812 medal series.

Cross References

PCGS #923793; Fuld-Higby 416; Julian MI-15