(ca. 1859) Bronze Medal GW-255 - Equestrian-North Point

Coin Details

Description

Struck circa 1859 in bronze, the Equestrian-North Point Medal (GW-255) uniquely bridges two defining American conflicts by pairing Washington on horseback with a scene from the War of 1812 Battle of North Point. Cataloged as Baker 168 and Musante GW-255, the obverse presents an equestrian portrait of Washington in military dress — one of the more dynamic compositions among Washington medals. The reverse depicts the September 12, 1814 engagement at North Point, Maryland, where American militia delayed the British advance toward Baltimore, contributing to the defense that inspired Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner." This pairing of Revolutionary-era Washington imagery with War of 1812 content reflects mid-nineteenth-century efforts to connect the Founding generation with later military triumphs. The combination is unusual within the Washington medal series, where most reverses feature patriotic symbols or text rather than battle scenes from a subsequent war. Bronze medals of this type were produced in limited quantities during the antebellum period, making surviving examples scarce.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The Equestrian-North Point combination is unusual.

Cross References

Baker 168; Musante GW-255