1814 George III Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Adams 12.1. (Obverse 1, Reverse A). Extremely Fine.

75.5 mm. 1893.7 grains. Original plain loop hanger intact. Obverse die signed T. WYON.JUN:S:. Obv: Older mantled bust of George III, right. Rev: The royal arms and supporters, date below. Medium gray silver with notable pale blue accents on both sides and traces of deeper golden-brown in some of the recesses. Clearly an issued medal with numerous fine marks scattered over both sides and a series of small rim bumps along the lower obverse border. None of the handling is severe, however, and the fields retain unmistakable prooflike character on both sides. The detail is sharp throughout and the eye appeal is very nice for this handsome type. This was the largest of the 1814-dated medals produced for award to Native Americans in the latter days of the War of 1812. The British relied heavily upon Native Americans in their war effort. Distribution of medals as markers of allegiance was virtually rampant, so much so, as related by Adams, a Captain Bulger, Commander at Green Bay, wrote in 1815 that "...formerly a chief would have parted with his life rather than his medal. Now very few think it worth preserving." It might be that, as suggested, this statement had to do with the large numbers of medals distributed, but it might also relate to the failures of the British during the War, as native sentiments would shift with changing perceptions of strength in the warring parties. Either way, based on Adams' research of survivors, he suggested that the original issuance of the 1814 medals might have been as many as half the number of those issued of the young head type during the period from 1776 to 1813.

From the Ronald A. Slovick Family Collection. Earlier from Spink London's sale of July 1988, lot 321.

Estimate: $8500