During the American Revolution, British Major John André joined with American General Benedict Arnold in a scheme to secure British control over the American fortification at West Point, New York. Before it could be carried out, however, minutemen captured John André and informed General George Washington of the plot. Arnold managed to evade Washington’s arrest warrant, but André was executed by Washington’s order in October 1780. Examples of this Medal sold at auction Stack Bowers May 2013 ANA National Money show, lot #2025 where it sold for $300.00 Heritage December, 2011 where it sold for $149.50
So why make a medal commemorating him? Just wondering It's weird how the letter A's on the Obverse look like upside down V's but the A's on the reverse look normal.
English made. Likely at Birmingham. He was hero to the Brits and a traitor to the Americans. As was Arnold
This medal was made by George H Lovett of New York City. Andre actually was respected by the the Americans. The medal reflects the event of a major spy being caught.
I'm glad you popped in! Do you have any knowledge about the "crossed A's" and the "un-crossed A's"? Chris
I spent a little time looking at other Lovett Tokens and Medals but I did not find any other examples of the "uncrossed A's"
This piece was likely struck to commemorate the dedication of the memorial to him. Go to http://www.lovetttokensmedals.com/GeorgeH/MiscHistFigures.htm to see the letter that was included with an Andre medal and Headquarters at Tappan medal.
I know in that era, the tools used to make the letters were primitive. For example, there are varieties of Fugio that appear as FUCIO on the coin, because there was no stamp for the letter G. Die sinkers used a C and then added the line to make a G. Possibly this is the case here - the A is a V upside down with the line added. Or in this case, omitted.
