(1855) Bronze Medal J-NA-26, Commander Duncan Ingraham

Coin Details

Description

The circa 1855 bronze naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-26 honors Commander Duncan Ingraham for his dramatic rescue of Martin Koszta, a Hungarian revolutionary refugee, from Austrian captivity in the harbor of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey) on July 2, 1853. Ingraham commanded the sloop USS St. Louis and threatened to open fire on the Austrian warship Hussar unless Koszta, who had declared his intention to become an American citizen, was released. The Austrians backed down, and Koszta was placed in the custody of the French consul pending resolution. The obverse features Ingraham's portrait. The reverse carries imagery commemorating the Smyrna incident. Congress awarded Ingraham a gold medal for his defense of an individual's rights against a foreign power. The Koszta Affair became a landmark in American diplomatic history, establishing the principle that the United States would protect the rights of individuals who had declared their intention to become citizens, even against the military power of European empires. Secretary of State William Marcy's defense of Ingraham's actions articulated a doctrine of American protection for aspiring citizens that resonated for decades.

Rarity Notes

Bronze produced in limited quantities. The unusual diplomatic nature of the incident — rather than a battle — makes this a distinctive piece in the naval medal series.

Cross References

Julian NA-26; PCGS #931752