1829 Andrew Jackson Indian Peace Medal. First Size. Silver. 75.4 mm, 3.7-3.9 mm thick. 150.8 grams. Julian IP-14, Prucha-43. Extremely Fine.；Holed for suspension, no loop. First reverse type, with a mintage of just 87 pieces. An especially sharply impressed example of this rare medal with exquisite definition and a notable lack of edge nicks or dings. The warm pearl gray patina, which yields to olive and gold toward the peripheries, serves to hide evidence of an ancient cleaning. The extensive open fields exhibit far fewer than the expected number of contact marks, dings and abrasions typically found on worn Peace medals. Of note, however, are several lightly inscribed straight lines, all less than an inch long, which intersect in the field in front of Jacksons chin. Certainly these are not random scratches, but their significance -- if indeed there is any -- is unknown. Other than these lines the remainder of the obverse surface is remarkably smooth and free of significant distractions. The reverse has some tiny rounded depressions scattered about, as well as an enigmatic half-inch wide swath of roughness that extends across the entire medal from about 11:30 to 5:30. This is some sort of post-striking environmental damage from uncertain causes. The medal is neatly holed at top, as expected. Andrew Jackson was well known for his harsh treatment of Native Americans before and during his tenure as president, so "Peace" medals from his administration are somewhat ironic. Historically Andrew Jackson Indian Peace medals have always been especially elusive in the numismatic community, and this example is much finer and more appealing than most.；Ex F.C.C. Boyd estate, 1958; our (Stacks) sale of the John J. Ford Collection, Part XVIII, May 2007, lot 90; our (Stacks) Americana Sale of January 2009, lot 5100. January 2009 lot tag included.
