(c.1875) Bronzed-Copper Medal J-NA-13, Captain Jacob Jones

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,233 SP66 03-29-2017 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1875 bronzed copper naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-13 honors Captain Jacob Jones for his victory commanding the sloop USS Wasp over the British brig HMS Frolic on October 18, 1812, during the War of 1812. The engagement was fought in heavy seas off the coast of North Carolina, with both vessels suffering severe damage. Jones's crew boarded and captured the Frolic after a fierce close-quarters fight, though both ships were subsequently captured by the British ship-of-the-line HMS Poictiers later the same day. The obverse features Jones's portrait with the bronzed copper finish. The reverse carries commemorative imagery of the Wasp-Frolic engagement. The bronzed treatment provides a dark, lustrous surface. Despite losing his prize and his ship to the Poictiers, Jones was treated as a hero upon his exchange, as the American public celebrated the tactical victory over the Frolic. Congress awarded him a gold medal and the state of Pennsylvania presented him with a sword. Jones later commanded the frigate Macedonian during the remainder of the war and served various shore commands until his death in 1850.

Rarity Notes

Bronzed copper produced circa 1875 in limited quantities. Jones is a lesser-known War of 1812 naval commander, limiting collector demand compared to Hull, Perry, or Decatur.

Cross References

Julian NA-13; PCGS #615295