(c.1861) Bronze Medal J-MI-9, Bee John E. Howard at Cowpens

Coin Details

Auction Record

$999 MS64BN 02-16-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

The circa 1861 bronze military medal cataloged as Julian MI-9 with bee reverse honors Colonel John Eager Howard at the Battle of Cowpens. The "bee" designation refers to a specific reverse die featuring a bee privy mark or motif, which identifies the die pairing and production period for this particular variant of the Howard medal. Different reverse dies were used across various restrike periods, and the bee reverse is associated with the circa 1861 production. The obverse features Howard's military portrait. The reverse with the bee motif carries the Cowpens commemorative design. Howard's battlefield leadership at Cowpens was recognized by Congress with a gold medal, the highest military honor available at the time. Howard's tactical execution at Cowpens demonstrated the capability of American regular troops to stand against British regulars in open combat. His coolness under pressure in ordering the about-face and volley that shattered the British advance was described by Daniel Morgan as the pivotal moment of the entire engagement. The medal commemorates one of the most important small-unit actions in American military history.

Rarity Notes

Bronze with bee reverse die produced circa 1861. One of the scarcer die combinations for the Howard at Cowpens medal.

Cross References

Julian MI-9 (bee reverse); PCGS #517177