1871 Ulysses S. Grant Indian Peace Medal. The Only Size. Silver. 62 mm. Julian IP-42, Prucha-53. Specimen-58 (PCGS).

This is an exceptional Grant Peace medal with warm and even pewter and olive gray toning on both sides. Close inspection with a loupe reveals a subtle sandblast texture to the finish, but even under close scrutiny the surfaces reveal no more than a few trivial handling marks. It is boldly to sharply defined with outstanding visual appeal. The Grant medals are a common starting point for a collection of Indian Peace medals as they are among the most frequently offered. This one features premium eye appeal and sharpness. It has not been pierced for suspension, and bears no other signs of actually having been issued; it was certainly not worn or otherwise handled on a regular basis. Interestingly, this medal was to have been designed by Anthony C. Paquet, but the project was taken over by Grant's cabinet officers who submitted a new design. The overall design is not the only break from tradition in the final medals, as Grant's name was omitted in the commandeered design process.