2013-P 5 oz ATB Perry’s Victory Silver Coin NGC SP70

The calm waters of Lake Erie belie the fierce naval battle that unfolded on its surface over two centuries ago. On September 10, 1813, a young American naval officer named Oliver Hazard Perry led a makeshift fleet against a formidable British squadron, forever changing the course of the War of 1812. This pivotal engagement, known as the Battle of Lake Erie, not only secured American control over the Great Lakes but also became a defining moment in the nation's maritime history.

As dawn broke on that fateful day, Perry's fleet of nine vessels faced off against six British warships under the command of Robert Heriot Barclay. The American flagship, the USS Lawrence, bore a flag emblazoned with the rallying cry "Don't Give Up the Ship" – the last words of Perry's fallen friend, Captain James Lawrence. This banner would become a symbol of American determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

The battle raged for hours, with both sides exchanging heavy fire. Perry's flagship, the Lawrence, bore the brunt of the British assault and was soon reduced to a splintered wreck. In a daring move that would become legendary, Perry transferred his flag to the USS Niagara, rowing through a hail of gunfire in a small boat. This act of courage reinvigorated the American forces and turned the tide of battle.

With renewed vigor, Perry sailed the Niagara directly into the British line, unleashing devastating broadsides that shattered the enemy's resolve. By late afternoon, the British fleet had surrendered, and Perry penned his famous dispatch to General William Henry Harrison: "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." This victory not only secured American control of Lake Erie but also paved the way for the recapture of Detroit and the defeat of British and Native American forces in the Northwest.

The Battle of Lake Erie stands as a testament to American ingenuity and perseverance. Perry's fleet was largely constructed from green timber felled on the shores of Lake Erie, crewed by a motley assemblage of sailors, soldiers, and local volunteers. Yet through skill, determination, and a touch of fortune, they prevailed against a more experienced British force, forever cementing their place in the annals of American naval history.

This monumental victory reshaped the strategic landscape of the War of 1812, boosting American morale and demonstrating the young nation's ability to stand toe-to-toe with the world's preeminent naval power. The battle's legacy endures to this day, celebrated in monuments, museums, and now, fittingly, in the intricate designs of commemorative coinage that pay homage to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought on Lake Erie's waters.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent coin features a striking portrait of Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie. His determined gaze seems to pierce through time, capturing the resolute spirit that led the American fleet to victory. Behind Perry, the coin artfully depicts the chaos of naval combat, with billowing smoke and the silhouettes of warships locked in fierce engagement. The inscriptions "PERRY'S VICTORY" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" frame the scene, while the year "2013" and the mint mark "P" complete the design.

On the reverse, the coin showcases a panoramic view of the International Peace Memorial located at Put-in-Bay, Ohio. This 352-foot Doric column, dedicated in 1931, stands as a lasting symbol of the enduring peace between the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. The memorial's striking architecture is beautifully rendered, rising majestically against a backdrop of Lake Erie's waters. Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions "OHIO," "2013," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," along with the coin's weight and fineness.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.999
• Weight: 5 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Philadelphia
• Grading Service: NGC
• Obverse: Portrait of Oliver Hazard Perry with naval battle scene
• Reverse: International Peace Memorial at Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Investment Appeal

This exquisite 5 oz silver coin represents a unique opportunity for both numismatists and investors to own a piece of American history. Its high purity of 0.999 fine silver ensures intrinsic value, while its limited mintage and historical significance offer potential for appreciation beyond mere metal content. The coin's impeccable strike and finish, certified by NGC, guarantee its quality and authenticity.

As part of the America the Beautiful series, this Perry's Victory coin benefits from widespread recognition and collector demand. Its substantial 5 oz weight provides a satisfying heft, making it an impressive addition to any collection or investment portfolio. Moreover, the coin's theme – commemorating a pivotal moment in American history and celebrating enduring peace – imbues it with a cultural and emotional value that transcends its material worth.

For the discerning collector or investor, this coin offers a tangible connection to a defining chapter in American naval history, a celebration of international peace, and a store of precious metal – all beautifully rendered in silver. It stands not just as a collectible or an investment, but as a miniature work of art that encapsulates the spirit of American resilience and the enduring quest for peace.