(c.1842-45) Bronze Medal J-MI-9, Prow John E. Howard at Cowpens

Coin Details

Description

The circa 1842-1845 bronze military medal cataloged as Julian MI-9 with prow reverse honors Colonel John Eager Howard at the Battle of Cowpens. The "prow" designation refers to a specific reverse die featuring a ship's prow (bow), which identifies this as one of several die combinations used for the Howard medal across different production periods. The prow reverse is associated with a particular era of Mint die usage. The obverse features Howard's military portrait. The reverse with the prow motif carries commemorative imagery for the Cowpens victory. Howard commanded the Continental infantry at Cowpens and executed the critical maneuver that transformed the battle — when Morgan's planned militia retreat threatened to become a genuine rout, Howard ordered his regulars to about-face and deliver a devastating volley at close range that staggered the British line, then led a bayonet charge that broke the enemy formation entirely. Congress authorized Howard's gold medal alongside those for Morgan and William Washington on March 9, 1781. Howard later served as Governor of Maryland and as a United States Senator, becoming one of the most distinguished public figures among the Revolutionary War officer corps.

Rarity Notes

Bronze with prow reverse die is one of several die combinations for this medal. Produced circa 1842-1845 in limited quantities.

Cross References

Julian MI-9 (prow reverse); PCGS #923762