Undated (ca. 1727-1760) George II Indian Trade Medal. Betts-167, Jamieson, figure 5. Brass or Copper. Very Fine.24.5 mm. 70.8 grains. An impressively sharp example of this important early 18th century medal, used by British (and British American) traders on the North American frontier as a trade item in their fur-based commerce with American natives. Glossy medium brown with some deep olive verdigris in protected areas. Scattered granularity and contact marks are seen on both sides, striation or scratch across the portraits cheek, edge-mounted hanger missing as usual. The loss of the hanger took none of them rim with it, fortunately, and the rims remain intact. The level of detail on this one is far finer than normal, as is the overall visual appeal.<p>Most of these come out of a ground context, which appears likely for this one as well. Examples of this type have been most frequently found in western Pennsylvania and New York, but they also show up further south and further west. We havent had an example this nice in almost a decade.From the Richard August Collection. Earlier ex Jim King.
