Undated (ca. 1776-1814) George III Indian Peace Medal. Large Size. Adams 7.2, Betts-437. Solid Silver. Choice About Uncirculated.78.3 mm. 1434.4 grains. Original decorative hanger pinmounted at 12 oclock, as issued. An especially high grade survivor of this iconic medal, the standard diplomatic gift between British authorities in North America and their native allies. Glossy and lustrous even dark silver gray, a beautiful antique tone and magnificent untouched surface of significant antiquity. A bit reflective in the fields of both sides, struck in splendid high relief with only the barest friction on the highest points of the design elements. Free of notable problems, just some old hairlines, a few trivial scratches like the one under the second A of GRATIA, and a minor rim nick over O of GEORGIUS. Hanger a bit flattened, but sharp, functional, and intact. Obverse die broken, with a substantial crack from the shoulder into the field below I of GEORGIUS. The visual appeal and overall impression is beautiful, indeed, this is one of the prettiest, most original, and most high grade examples of this type weve ever encountered.<p>This type was distributed by the British military establishment, solely in North America, from 1776 through the War of 1812. It was replaced in 1814 with the later "Bull Head" George III Indian Peace medal type. This largest size is the most numerous, far outpacing the rare medium size medals and extremely rare small medals that share this general design. Despite the large population of survivors, most have seen serious wear and abuse, as expected given its function. Lost hangers are typical, as are heavy dents and scratches and the kind of wear that happens over multiple generations rather than just one lifetime. Examples like this are very rare, special, and worth centering in an advanced connoisseurs cabinet.From the Richard August Collection. Earlier from an unrecorded (1970s?) Glendinings sale, lot 303.
