Let Me Introduce You to Charles Cushing Wright! Part I.
By: Ron Gammill
Do you ever wonder who the early 18th & 19th Century Medalists were that Engraved, Sunk the Dies and Manufactured Tokens, Medals, Medallions and Medalets?
the US Mint, the 1838 New Haven.
Charles Cushing Wright (1796-1854) was an important American artist and engraver. Often called “The First American Medalist,” Wright’s work is highly regarded for its quality and attention to detail.
Many of his most beloved medals were produced in recognition of generals in the Mexican American War, which took place from 1846-1848. This war occurred as the United States pushed further and further west under the doctrine of “Manifest Destiny”, espoused by President James K. Polk.
When the battles ended, the United States claimed victory from a disorganized Mexico and gained nearly a third of Mexico’s territory. These lands included nearly all of present-day Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.
Two of the most respected generals in American history were involved in the conflict: Major General Winfield Scott and Major General Zachary Taylor. In fact, just nine months after the end of the war, Taylor would be elected president.
At the request of Congress, Wright designed a medal in honor of Major General Zachary. It is designated MI-24 by R.W. Julian in Medals of the United States Mint: The First Century, 1792-1892.
There had already been two medals struck in honor of Taylor in 1847, but the quality was not very high, and the medals were criticized in national newspapers. As a result, the Mint looked outside its staff to find an engraver for this new medal. They would not be disappointed with Wright’s work, which was completed on June 15, 1849. The first medal was struck in pure California gold on July 4th of that year.
Wright’s Zachary Taylor medals measure an astonishing 90mm across, and the engraving work is extremely detailed and intricate. The obverse features a well-executed bust of Zachary Taylor facing right, with oak branches and laurel below. The scene on the reverse is clearly the highlight of this medal.