(c.1960's) Medal FH-504 Yellow Bronze Captain Isaac Hull

Coin Details

Description

This circa 1960s yellow bronze medal cataloged as FH-504 features Captain Isaac Hull, the United States Navy officer who commanded the USS Constitution during its celebrated victory over HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812. This engagement was the first major single-ship victory for the American navy in the War of 1812 and earned the Constitution its legendary nickname "Old Ironsides" when British cannonballs appeared to bounce off its thick oak hull. The FH-504 catalog number places this in the 500-series, which covers military heroes and naval commanders. The original medal from which this restrike derives was one of the series of gold medals authorized by Congress to honor naval commanders during the War of 1812. The yellow bronze reproduction makes this design accessible to collectors who cannot acquire the rare original gold or early bronze versions. Hull's victory over the Guerriere was strategically significant because it demonstrated that the small American navy could compete with the Royal Navy, then the world's dominant sea power. The battle boosted American morale at a time when the land war along the Canadian border was going poorly. Hull subsequently commanded the Boston Navy Yard and served the navy until his death in 1843.

Rarity Notes

Standard Fuld-Higby yellow bronze production. Naval hero medals in the 500-series have moderate collector demand.

Cross References

PCGS #680613; FH-504 (Yellow Bronze); Fuld-Higby Military Series; Julian MI-5