(1845-1860) Bronze Medal Betts-594, William Washington Paris Restrike, Hand Edge

Coin Details

Auction Record

$588 SP64 05-29-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze restrike of the William Washington at Cowpens medal (Betts-594) was struck at the Paris Mint during the 1845-60 restrike period, identified by the hand edge mark characteristic of that era. The original medal was authorized by the Continental Congress to honor Lieutenant Colonel William Washington, a cousin of George Washington, for his cavalry charge at the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781. William Washington led the decisive mounted assault that routed Banastre Tarleton's British forces, suffering a saber wound in personal combat with Tarleton himself. The reverse shows Washington on horseback rescuing a wounded officer. The tradition of striking commemorative medals for New World events began with Spanish and Portuguese pieces in the sixteenth century, expanded through Dutch and French production in the seventeenth, and reached its peak with British issues during the colonial wars. This Paris Mint restrike in bronze provides collectors access to the Comitia Americana design at a fraction of the cost of original strikings.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint bronze restrike, 1845-60 period. Hand edge mark. More available than silver restrikes but still scarce in the broader market.

Cross References

Betts-594; William Washington at Cowpens; Comitia Americana series