(ca. 1777) George III Lion and Wolf Indian Peace Medal. Silver Shells. Betts-535, Adams 10.1, Dies 1-A. Very Fine….58.6 mm. 711.2 grains. Original decorative loop intact, brass chain of somewhat later vintage. A medal of historical importance for what it is and of significant numismatic rarity for how it was constructed. While the Adams Modern Census included three Lion and Wolf medals made from silver shells, one of them proved not to exist (census 17, said to be in the Ford Collection), leaving just the ANS example (census 1) and the Adams specimen (census 13). This is a new addition to the census, recently located in Nova Scotia from a family with lineage to the Shubenacadie reserve of the Mikmaq nation. The surfaces make the hollow construction of a silver shells medal evident, with scattered small dents from its useful life as a proudly worn medal seen on both sides. The surfaces have mellowed from the polishing applied during the medals useful life, offering an even silvery appearance. Though somewhat worn, the designs remain well showcased. The reverse is in its perfect state, without the large vertical die break; the only other privately held example of this medal in shells known to us is in the same die state. The rim is well constructed and intact around the entire circumference, and the overall condition is excellent for its life of use.<p>The Lion and Wolf medal is a Revolutionary War medal, thought to have been distributed in New York and the Niagara frontier to tribes allied with the King. The design is rich with meaning, making this a particularly popular type with advanced collectors today. An august and confident lion defending a settlement in the forest from a skinny but threatening wolf is a thoughtful metaphor - and marketing appeal - for the British alliance with native tribes along the Canadian frontier. It does what medals are intended to do: tells a story through art intended to communicate an ideal. It is no wonder these medals were so cherished and worn, almost literally, to death. They symbolize a century-long relationship between the British establishment in North America and the tribes of the American frontier.<p>Lion and Wolf medals come with two kinds of loops: a peaked loop as seen on the medium size undated George III medals and a decorative one as used on the more common large size undated George III medals. This one was made with the latter style.<p>Most of these are struck with a solid construction and a joined rim. The most recent such piece sold was the exceptional Margolis specimen in our March 2024 sale that realized $72,000. This one will bring less, despite the fact that its construction renders it a piece of the highest rarity, an intentional survival that has been carefully handled since its initial award to an American native at the dawn of a world-changing revolution.
