 Andrew Jackson Indian Peace Medal, 1829. Silver, 75.6mm, 3.6 to 3.7mm thick. 2,283 grains (147.79 grams). By Moritz Furst (obv.), John Reich (rev.). Sharpness of Fine, pierced for suspension as all medals actually awarded to Native American recipients. Obv. Civil Jackson bust r. in fur cape, legend, ANDREW JACKSON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, A.D. 1829 below. Piercing is between 'DE' of PRESIDENT. Rev. Clasped hands, crossed Calumet (Peace Pipe) and tomahawk, PEACE/ AND/ FRIENDSHIP.
The number of 76mm Silver Jackson medals struck is not known with absolute certainty, possibly fewer than 80. The number existing today in all states of preservation can best be described as a small handful. Jackson's notorious hostility to the Indians generally gives the surviving Indian Peace Medals a certain piquancy possessed by the medals of few other Presidents. Neither the Garrett nor the Chris Schenkel Collections included this size in Silver. The David W. Dreyfuss Collection included a Very Fine 76mm Silver example weighing 2,273.1 grains and a Copper bronzed weighing in at 2,940.7 grains.@ The present example shows all the wear and effects of years of diligent polish expected (and indeed, hoped for) in genuine, awarded Silver Indian Peace Medals. Recall the Indian who told an early American visitor, ''Tell our Great Father than we keep his face bright!'' The portrait is measurably worn, but not fatally so, offering much hair and dress detail. All obverse lettering is sharp and full. The reverse is less visibly worn, though AND shows less detail than PEACE, FRIENDSHIP. It is safe to say that this majestic medal was worn with pride by its original recipient for many years and it is a major document of American Indian history that will certainly repay careful study. Its appearance in this Americana Sale offers an historic opportunity to all collectors of this storied series.
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