Indian Peace Medals
Undated (circa 1776-1814) George III Indian Peace Medal. Struck Solid Silver. Large Size. Adams 7.3. (Obverse 3, Reverse B). Fine.
76.7 mm. 1547.9 grains. Original hanger lost. Unsigned dies. Obv: youthful armored bust of George III, right, with seven rivets above the sash; Rev: the royal arms and supporters. Gently mottled medium gray on the obverse, while the reverse is a bit more heavily toned. Light gray highlights on the high points of the relief on both sides. Mostly minor marks and scrapes consistent with an awarded medal, though there is an ancient long thin scratch in the left obverse field and the intricacies of the reverse have some heavy deposits and granularity in places. Only tiny rim marks are noted upon close examination, and the medal has a generally well-balanced and pleasing appearance. An earlier state of the dies than seen on the medal above, without the small crack through the cravat. A bit of a diplomatic workhorse of the English Crown, it is estimated that perhaps as many as 2,000-3,000 of these were prepared and distributed to Native Americans over the decades that encompassed the American Revolution and War of 1812. Though only a fraction of those issued are believed to survive today, they are available enough to be a prime starting point in collecting medals relating to American Revolutionary history and as such, they always enjoy healthy collector demand.
Ex Andy Miles, via eBay, November 2011.
Estimate: $4000