(1815) Silver Medal J-NA-22, Captain Charles Stewart

Coin Details

Auction Record

$36,000 SP61 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1815 silver naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-22 honors Captain Charles Stewart for his remarkable double victory while commanding USS Constitution on February 20, 1815, when he captured both the British corvette HMS Cyane and the sloop HMS Levant in a single engagement off the Portuguese island of Madeira. This was the last major naval action of the War of 1812, fought after the Treaty of Ghent had been signed but before news reached the combatants. The obverse features Stewart's portrait in naval dress, rendered in silver. The reverse carries commemorative imagery of the dual capture. Silver naval medals were produced in very limited quantities and represent premium collector pieces. Stewart's tactical management of the battle against two opponents simultaneously was masterful. He maneuvered Constitution between the two British vessels, using his superior firepower and sailing ability to engage each in turn while preventing them from coordinating their attacks. The capture of two warships in a single engagement was unprecedented in American naval history and earned Stewart the nickname "Old Ironsides" Stewart.

Rarity Notes

Silver examples are rare. Very limited production compared to bronze versions. Stewart's dual capture makes this one of the more remarkable achievements commemorated in the naval medal series.

Cross References

Julian NA-22; PCGS #529196