1814 Bronze Medal J-MI-13, Maj. Gen. Edmund P. Gaines

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS67BN 04-26-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1814 bronze military medal cataloged as Julian MI-13 honors Major General Edmund Pendleton Gaines for his defense of Fort Erie on the Niagara frontier during the War of 1812. Gaines commanded the American garrison at Fort Erie during a prolonged British siege from August to September 1814, repelling a major British assault on August 15 that cost the attackers over 900 casualties. The obverse features Gaines's military portrait. The reverse carries commemorative imagery of the Fort Erie defense. This bronze duplicate was produced at the Philadelphia Mint for collector distribution. The defense of Fort Erie was one of the most intense siege operations of the War of 1812. Gaines was seriously wounded during the British night assault of August 15, when three columns attacked the fort simultaneously. The British penetrated one bastion before the magazine exploded — whether by accident or deliberate American action remains debated — killing hundreds of attackers and ending the assault. Gaines later had a distinguished frontier military career, commanding American forces in the southeastern United States.

Rarity Notes

Bronze duplicates produced in limited quantities. Gaines is a lesser-known War of 1812 commander, making this medal less frequently encountered at auction.

Cross References

Julian MI-13; PCGS #886542