(1814) Bronze Medal J-MI-18, 65mm Maj. Gen. Peter B. Porter

Coin Details

Auction Record

$780 MS66BN 03-25-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1814 bronze military medal cataloged as Julian MI-18 in the 65mm format honors Major General Peter B. Porter for his service during the War of 1812. Porter commanded New York militia and Indian auxiliaries at the Battle of Chippewa on July 5, 1814 and the Battle of Lundy's Lane on July 25, 1814, two of the fiercest engagements of the Niagara Campaign that demonstrated the dramatically improved quality of the American army under the training regimen of Winfield Scott. The obverse features Porter's military portrait at the substantial 65mm diameter. The reverse carries commemorative imagery related to his Niagara Campaign service. The 65mm size provides generous canvas for detailed engraving work. Porter later served as Secretary of War under President John Quincy Adams from 1828 to 1829. His military medal recognizes service during the battles that proved American regular troops could stand toe-to-toe with British regulars — a significant psychological milestone for a nation that had suffered humiliating defeats earlier in the War of 1812, including the burning of Washington, D.C. in August 1814.

Rarity Notes

Bronze in 65mm format produced in limited quantities. Porter is a less widely recognized War of 1812 figure, limiting collector demand compared to more famous commanders.

Cross References

Julian MI-18; PCGS #705528