"1814" Bronze Medal FH-517, Johnston Blakely

Coin Details

Description

This bronze restrike medal cataloged as Fuld-Higby 517 honors Captain Johnston Blakeley of the United States Navy, one of the most successful American naval officers of the War of 1812. Commanding the sloop-of-war USS Wasp, Blakeley captured or destroyed numerous British vessels in 1814, including HMS Reindeer and HMS Avon in separate engagements. Congress authorized a gold medal in recognition of his victory over the Reindeer on June 28, 1814, one of the war's most decisive single-ship actions. Tragically, Blakeley and the entire crew of the Wasp disappeared at sea in late 1814, making him one of the war's most poignant figures. The medal was presented posthumously to his infant daughter. The obverse bears a portrait of Blakeley in naval uniform, while the reverse depicts the engagement between the Wasp and Reindeer. This bronze striking reproduces the Congressional Gold Medal as cataloged in the Fuld-Higby reference of United States military medals. The FH-517 designation places it within the naval engagement series of the War of 1812 Congressional medal program.

Rarity Notes

Bronze restrike produced for collector distribution. Part of the Congressional naval medal series. Moderately available in numismatic channels.

Cross References

PCGS #925288; Fuld-Higby 517; Julian MI-13