Among the historical treasures that will be on display at the future National Museum of the U.S. Army will be the original Congressional Gold Medal presented to General Winfield Scott for his leadership during the War of 1812. Crafted at the Philadelphia Mint, this medal bears the youthful likeness of the general on its obverse and cites on the reverse his successes at the Battles of Chippewa, July 5, 1814, and Niagara, July 25, 1814.
Today, the Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to individuals who have profoundly impacted American history and culture, ranging from inventors and politicians to writers and entertainers. But initially, this special commemoration was reserved for military officers who had especially distinguished themselves. George Washington was presented with the first medal by the Continental Congress in 1776. https://armyhistory.org