(1815) Bronze Medal J-NA-12, Isaac Hull

Coin Details

Description

The circa 1815 bronze naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-12 honors Captain Isaac Hull for his command of the frigate USS Constitution during her legendary victory over HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812 — the first major American naval victory of the War of 1812. The engagement lasted approximately thirty minutes, during which Constitution's superior gunnery dismasted the Guerriere and reduced her to a sinking hulk. It was during this battle that Constitution earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" when British cannonballs were observed bouncing off her thick oak hull. The obverse features Hull's portrait in naval dress. The reverse carries commemorative imagery of the Constitution-Guerriere engagement. This bronze duplicate was produced for collector distribution. Hull's victory electrified the American public at a time when the war on land was going badly, with the surrender of Detroit and failed invasions of Canada. The dramatic proof that American frigates could defeat British warships in single combat provided an enormous morale boost and validated the construction of the six original frigates that formed the core of the early United States Navy.

Rarity Notes

Bronze duplicates produced across multiple restrike periods. Hull's Constitution victory is one of the most famous naval engagements in American history, ensuring strong collector demand.

Cross References

Julian NA-12; PCGS #916420