I got these two medals today without knowing what they are just because I like them. What I can figure out is they are copies of original medals made in the era of the American Revolution. One has George Washington and seems to celebrate the battle of Cowpens. The other has Henry Lee and celebrates the battle of Paulus Hook. I found a wikipedia page for Henry Lee that mentions he was awarded this medal by Congress after that battle. I found someone listing the Washington medal on eBay and they claim it is pewter and "very rare," but people on eBay say everything is rare. The back sides just have the story behind the medal (in Latin). The obverse of Washington says "Gulielmo Washington Legionis Equit Praefecto" and at the bottom "Comitia American." Henry Lee says "Henrico Lee Legionis Equit Praefecto" and at the bottom "Comitia Americana." I'm just curious when these were made and who made them and if they are worth anything (probably not).
These are often found in a set titled something like "America's First Medals". They were sold in the 1970s and there might be a dozen different modern remakes of the originals. There is an album that they come in that is either navy or black with gold or silver lettering on the cover. Complete sets can be had on ebay for as little as $10, but other times someone will BIN a set at $30 or so.
Thanks Tom. Even if they're not worth much, this is an example of why I like coins. Nice looking medals with a lot going on in them and a tie-in to history.
