Silver Coin George G. Meade Battle of Gettysburg 2009 Proof Cook Islands

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Great Commanders and Battles series

This exclusive silver coin issued by the Cook Islands in 2009 from the Great Commanders and Battles series features a coloured portrait of General George Meade on the reverse. The obverse is accompanied by the inscriptions "1863 BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG", "MAJ. GEN. GEORGE G. MEADE" and the year "1815 - 1872". In the background behind the portrait is a scene of the bloody Battle of Gettysburg. The obverse shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the face value.

The coin comes in a blue gift box with grey and silver trim along with a certificate of authenticity in a limited edition of only 1000 pieces for the entire world!

Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg, which took place July 1-3, 1863, is still the largest battle fought on the American continent. Something like 55,000 cannon rounds were fired and 6% of Americans of military serviceable age from 29 states fought here. The Union victory had far-reaching consequences for the course of the American Civil War and the fate of the Confederacy. However, although the army led by General Robert E. Lee was at a twenty-thousand man numerical disadvantage to Major General George Meade's Unionist army before the battle, the outcome of the battle was by no means clear-cut at its outset or during its progress.

The Virginia army was able to repeatedly defeat its enemy throughout the war, even when greatly weakened. But these victories in particular made General Lee's self-confidence grow to such an extent that he paid for the mistakes repeatedly made by the enemy in fighting him. This was especially so on the second and third days of the engagement. However, it says much for the character of the commander of the Southern army that he admitted his bad decisions to his subordinates immediately after the battle.

That either side would make a serious mistake was highly probable in the current atmosphere. The commanders of both armies were under great pressure. Especially General Meade, who had been appointed to his post just days before the battle. Thanks to the telegraph and the growing influence of journalism, the general public was immediately informed of the armies' every move, and so were the two presidents. There was considerable tension in political and civilian life in the North after a series of defeats of the Army of the Potomac. The same was true on the international scene, for all indications were that another Confederate victory might mean recognition of its independence and the end of the war.