Auction Catalogue
Create new listThis, and the following four medals, represent a choice selection made from the Ford Sale in 2004 which have remained together, in the same collection, for the previous two decades. Together, they stand as a testament to one of the most fascinating and decisive episodes in Anglo-American History. More than that, they serve to demonstrate the greatest aesthetic potential of numismatic art, being, as they are, perfectly struck from dies of exceptionally fine style.
U.S.A., Captain Isaac Hull of in the Naval Engagement of U.S.S. Constitution and H.M.S. Guerriere, 19 August 1812, a silver medal by J.M. Reich, isaacus hull peritos arte superat jul., mdccxii avg. certamine fortes, uniformed bust left, rev. horae momento victoria, U.S.S. Constitution firing upon the the H.M.S. Guerriere, inter const. nav. amer. et guer. angl. in exergue, 65mm, 124.50g (Julian NA.12; Loubat 25). About as struck with pretty blue toning over proof-like fields; most attractive, extremely rare (with only three others known in silver) and of the greatest historical interest, commemorating the victory which earned the Constitution her endearing nickname of ‘Old Ironsides’ [Graded NGC MS 64] £12,000-£15,000
This item has been graded by NGC and has been awarded grade MS 64.
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Ex Andrew H.L. Paneyko (said to have been found in his great aunt's house); Christies Auction, New York, 13 October 1983, lot 55B; J.J Ford Collection (Part V), Stack’s Auction, New York, 12 October 2004, lot 171 achieving a hammer price of $32,500
USS Constitution, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, sailed from Boston on 2 August, 1812 and steered for the blustery waters southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. After two weeks of daily gun drills in preparation for combat, Hull and his crew sighted the British frigate HMS Guerriere, under the command of Captain James Richard Dacres, on the afternoon of August 19. Broadsides were exchanged and musket fire caused casualties on both sides but Constitution’s white oak hull was too strong for the British cannonballs. One American sailor was heard to exclaim, ‘Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!’ The severely damaged Guerriere was forced to surrender and by the morning, it was clear she could not be saved. Captain Hull made the difficult decision to scuttle the ship by igniting the powder in her magazines.
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