Ca. 1642 - 76 Cecil Calvert Maryland Indian Peace Medal - Base Metal

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired this interesting medallion, and am in the process of fully researching and gathering opinions on it and thought i'd share it here.

It is an example in base metal, probably lead, of the Cecil Calvert Maryland Indian Peace Medal. Only 3 other examples, all in silver, are recorded and of those just one in private hands, and that with a weighty provenance (Glendinnings 1958, Ford Collection 2006 $69,000, Stacks 2009 $126,500, Heritage 2013 $176,250).

Given the extreme rarity of this medal, my first thoughts are as to the origins and purpose of this example made in base metal rather than silver. I don't have the exact measurements and mass on me,(i'll add them later) but the size closely matches the silver example. It is fairly thin, and is clearly not a restitutional cast from a different design. It has the right feel and appearance for a latter 17th century piece - I've had plenty of other cast English 17th century medals. I guess this could have been an aftercast from an original taken shortly after they were manufactured. Though only 3 are known of now, I assume a few more were made at the time from which this could have been cast? Either that or perhaps a trial or test piece made at the same time.

Either way an interesting piece, and no doubt rare or perhaps a unique survivor. I'm gathering opinions before deciding what to do with it, hope some of you enjoy seeing it. Any opinions welcome!