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 Replies: 23 / Views: 15,211 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Hello, I have an 1789 Washington Indian Peace Medal. It measures approx. 4x3 and weighs 95 grams. It is a solid slab of silver with a silver frame that stands above the slab on each side. I purchased this in the 1960's just outside of Philadelphia, PA. Is it a restrike or real? Any help would be appreciated. I want to list it on ebay this week. Kind Regards, rcpigs The only info I could find was from an auction some time back that was listed on a coin auction online. It seems to match my medal, but there was no photo to compare: (George Washington) INDIAN PEACE MEDAL - Oval medal, approximately 3"X4", engraved on a sheet of silver, and honoring President George Washington. On front side is a full length figure of an Indian wearing a headdress of feathers and draped with a blanket. He is dropping his tomahawk with his right hand, and with his left he is receiving a pipe of peace from a female figure in the garb of Minerva, undoubtedly meant to symbolize America. The inscription "G. WASHINGTON PRESIDENT" appears above, and the date "1789" below. In the foreground are a shield with a face and a spear, in the background a plow. The reverse shows the arms of the United States - an eagle with extended wings, a shield on the breast with 13 stripes, the right talon holding an olive branch, the left arrows. This is the earliest form of an Indian Peace Medal used by the United States Government, bearing the date 1789, the year of President Washington's inauguration. It is likely that these medals were given to the Creeks at the Treaty of New York in 1790, the first occasion on which there are records of the presentation of silver medals to Indian chiefs by the American Government. Because these metals were hand engraved and not struck from dies, no two of the medals are exactly alike. They were produced by private silversmiths or engravers, most of whom are unknown. Light wear. Approximate value. $15,000-20,000.     Edited by rcpigs
03/20/2009 12:50 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
I would say that's a very interesting artifact.  Judging by the incuse details, I would guess this medallion is engraved and not struck. The details certainly have the look of the period, particularly the style and cut of the date.  This potentially has more value than a quick ebay sale, depending on the provenance (and appraisal) you might get from an expert on colonial era artifacts. For instance, if it can be established this was made as an actual peace token for a native tribe, the value would be significantly higher. Does the medal have any engraver marks that might ID the maker? Good luck! |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
 , I would say that this is a hand carved one of a kind medal. Very interesting and I would think very rare. Thanks for posting this piece. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Wow...I just read your update and the description of that one medal strikes me very close to yours. And your example is in very good shape! I'm not at all surprised by the value range given. I think the course of action would be authentication/appraisal and then sale at a major auction for colonial items would get the best bid. |
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New Member
 United States
5 Posts |
Thank you for your replay DVCollector & echinzto. I definitely would like to get it authenticated by a professional. Only thing is, I can't find anyone around here that specializes in medals of this sort and era. If anyone knows anything, I sure would appreciate it. Kind Regards, rcpigs
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Pillar of the Community
Egypt
3470 Posts |
to CCF Very nice medal, thanks for sharing  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Rcpigs, I wish I could help there, but I'm not familiar with anyone in Penn. With the wealth of history in Philadelphia, I would suspect there are some very good colonial-era experts there. Best of luck! |
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
1361 Posts |
Send your picture to heritage auction or other auction houses. Tell them you are interested in selling it. They will give you a price and then you double or triple it or maybe more as the real price. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
 With this kind of thing, you best option is to send your pic to Heritage or a big auction house. |
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Valued Member
United States
447 Posts |
If authentic, ebay is NOT the correct auction venue due to tons of fakes. I would recomend Stacks or Heritage. First, get the piece authenticated. Welcom to the forum.  Edited to add; Here is a contact that may be of some help. (good people) http://www.coinraritiesonline.com/Edited by CCya
03/30/2009 7:04 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1015 Posts |
Very nice piece of history and no two are the same WTG mate.  |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Well money is tight right now and I don't have time to wait, so I am taking a chance and am going to sell this piece on ebay. My seller name is RCPIGS and it will be listed today. I hope one of you great coin dealers will look at it and get a great deal. Kind Regards, rcpigs |
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Valued Member
United States
447 Posts |
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New Member
United States
27 Posts |
It's a restrike from COPY DIES.
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
1361 Posts |
Quote:
It's a restrike from COPY DIES It's engraved but I'm not an expert to say if it is a copy. |
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Member
United States
917 Posts |
Theres been a few of these popping up on ebay,pretty much says it all. |
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Replies: 23 / Views: 15,211 |
Posted 03/20/2009 1:23 pm
