1789 George Washington Friendship Pipe Of Peace Medal/Token

Let me locate my book on Washington themed items and see if this is listed.

Edit to add the following information from pages 78-79:

Indeed this is a Peace Medal listed in the book Medallic Portraits of Washington 2nd edition.

The authors of the book have it listed with the heading of "Private (Nebraska) Treaty Medal

Struck circa 1890-1900

Baker-173M struck in copper; 173N struck in white metal with a reeded edge; 173P struck in pewter; 173Q struck in pewter with a larger size

Yours has the characteristics of Baker-173N. Approximately 10 known (at the time this was written nearly twenty years ago). The only value listed was $600 for an example in EF.

Authors state "all quite rare"

Two paragraphs provided after this provided a little more information which I will paraphrase.

Originally thought to be struck circa 1845 evidence now points to Nebraska near the turn of the 20th century. Francis P. Prucha, an Indian in Pender, Nebraska owned molds from which at least pewter ones were made. Claimed to have sold a bunch to Indians in Oklahoma.

This should give you a starting point at least.

-MV

MV, you have been most helpful! Thank you! One thing unique about this medal is the obverse/reverse orientation. Whereas the typical medal orientation seems to be head to head (flipping on the vertical axis), the obverse/reverse on this Treaty medal is typical of a "coin orientation" (flipping on the horizontal axis). Do you have any additional information about this? Also, I appreciate the referenced Medallic Portraits of Washington and Stacks Auction. I'll be checking the local library to research these. Thanks again!

Checked the sites referenced--led me to numerous other sites. Making progress; however, the obverse/reverse orientation continues to elude me. The 1789 George Washington Peace Medal orientation I have is horizontal. The hole is between "THE" and "FATHER" on the obverse, and fairly well obliterates the "O" in "OF" on the reverse. Suspended, the obverse would be right side up. The reverse would be upside down. H-m-m-m... I'm continuing to look through the references you've provided as well as the further references they provide.

It's an interesting search and I'm most thankful for your input. I will continue to post as I find additional information. Hope you can also continue to do so. One thing I'm including in my search is information about error medals that may have been produced. Perhaps the obverse/reverse was mis-oriented when stamped. Just trying to consider all the possibilities in nailing down when/where this medal originated.

By the way, our local library didn't have Medallic Portraits of Washington, but is trying to source a loaner from somewhere else. Anxious to take a look at it when it comes in.

That is a great Medal to have in your collection.

Your very welcome. I'm thrilled that the medal is authentic and that you have confirmation of the variety from NGC. Plus knowing an approximate grade level is beneficial.




-MV