Revolutionary Financier

The newest medal issued by the Jewish-American Hall of Fame (JAHF) commemorates Haym Salomon, a Polish-born American merchant who played a decisive role in financing America’s victory at Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. As General George Washington prepared to march south with French forces to trap General Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown, the Continental Army was running out of money and supplies, and was in danger of collapsing. Washington needed $20,000 immediately. When he was told there was no money or credit available, he famously ordered, “Send for Haym Salomon.” Salomon was able to raise the required funds, enabling the Yorktown campaign that secured American independence.

That pivotal command appears on the reverse of the 2026 JAHF high-relief bronze medal, alongside Washington mounted on his favorite horse, Nelson. The obverse presents an imagined portrait of Salomon, honored as “Financier to the American Revolution,” along with his signature. Between 1781 and 1784, the phrase “I sent for Haym Salomon” appears repeatedly in the diary of financier Robert Morris, underscoring Salomon’s indispensable role in raising funds for the war effort. Designed by award-winning sculptor Eugene Daub, the JAHF 3¼-inch bonded bronze medal—limited to just 99 pieces—honors the man whose financial expertise and support helped make America’s victory over Great Britain possible.