1853 Franklin Pierce Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-32, Prucha-49. Very Fine.
76.2 mm. 2431.6 grains. Pierced for suspension, as issued. An issued medal that undoubtedly has a colorful history, the unknown details of which are suggested by the surface characteristics. The typical native wear patterns are evident in the several scattered nicks, edge bruises and scratches that one often finds on issued Peace medals. In addition to these, the medal clearly circulated through less-informed hands as a few test marks are also noted and there is evidence of light rim filing. All of the medals for the Pierce administration were completed and delivered before the end of 1853. There were 120 large-size medals delivered and most of them seem to have been distributed as just 23 were returned to the Mint at the close of the Pierce administration for melting. The net issue in this size was therefore 97 medals. Carl Carlson recorded 10 auction records for a large-size Pierce, noting "8 or fewer specimens." To this, the Ford Collection would add five new specimens. The present writer has located 16 specimens, with two more reported in an institutional collection, but not seen. One of the confirmed examples is at the ANS, and is the only institutionally owned one of those confirmed which makes the Pierce seem a bit more common than it actually is. This is one of the most recent additions to the writer's roster of specimens, being the 15th identified, in 2022.

Estimate: $6000