(1846) Bronze Medal J-NA-24, The Mexican War

Coin Details

Description

The circa 1846 bronze naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-24 commemorates the Mexican War naval operations that supported the American conquest of California and the Gulf Coast blockade of Mexican ports during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. The Navy's Pacific Squadron under Commodore Robert Stockton and Commodore John Drake Sloat seized California's ports, while the Home Squadron under Commodore David Conner and later Commodore Matthew Perry blockaded the Gulf Coast and supported Winfield Scott's amphibious landing at Veracruz. The obverse features imagery related to the Mexican War naval campaign. The reverse carries commemorative inscriptions. This bronze medal was produced at the Philadelphia Mint for public distribution. The naval contribution to the Mexican-American War was essential though often overshadowed by the land campaigns of Taylor and Scott. The Navy's blockade of Mexican ports cut off customs revenue that funded the Mexican military, while the Pacific Squadron's operations secured California before substantial land forces arrived. The Veracruz amphibious operation on March 9, 1847 was the largest American amphibious assault until World War II.

Rarity Notes

Bronze medals produced in moderate quantities for public distribution. Mexican War naval medals are less commonly encountered than individual commander medals.

Cross References

Julian NA-24; PCGS #914699