(1858) Medal Israel Putnam Silver 37mm

Coin Details

Auction Record

$132 MS62 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 37mm silver medal commemorates Major General Israel Putnam (1718-1790), one of the most colorful and legendary figures of the American Revolution. "Old Put," as he was affectionately known, was already famous before the Revolution for his frontier adventures — including a tale of crawling into a wolf's den to dispatch the last wolf in Connecticut. At the outbreak of the Revolution in 1775, the 57-year-old farmer allegedly left his plow in the field and rode to Cambridge to join the Continental Army. He commanded American forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he is traditionally credited with the famous order "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" (though this attribution is disputed). Putnam served as a major general until a stroke in 1779 ended his military career. This silver medal, dated to circa 1858, honors Putnam's legacy as one of the founding generation of American military heroes. The 37mm diameter is a standard medal size, and the silver composition indicates a presentation or premium collector piece.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Silver medals honoring Revolutionary War generals from this period were produced in limited quantities for collectors and presentation purposes.

Cross References

PCGS #800894; Major General Israel Putnam