1862 Abraham Lincoln Indian Peace Medal. Large Format. Silver. 76.0 mm. 3,163.8 grains. Julian IP-38. Choice Very Fine.Lovely medium steel gray with deeper tones in the recesses and traces of light iridescence toward the rims. Somewhat lighter gray on the higher points of the motifs. A few trivial scattered marks are noted in the open fields, but this medal is free of the large marks typical of awarded pieces. Traces of prooflike reflectivity remain on both sides, giving this piece a particularly pleasant aesthetic. Neatly pierced at 12 oclock, as issued, with an intact suspension ring. Struck on a very heavy planchet, with rounded rims, both attributes consistent with medals struck from original dies at the Mint for collectors, subsequent to the production of those made for distribution to Native Americans. Our (Stacks) John J. Ford, Jr. Collection offering included a remarkable presentation of seven large size Lincoln medals, only one of which was this slightly later variant, and it looked almost identical in quality to this one. The Ford piece weighed in at 3,099.0 grains, but had no suspension loop. Large format Lincoln medals are always in strong demand, as they were issued by one of Americas most favored administrations. In addition, the reverse motif that includes an early depiction of baseball being played provides and added element of appeal. A fine example of this design and worthy of placement in an important collection of American medals or Lincolniana.Ex Joseph Levine, privately, March 1992; our Baltimore Auction of June 2014, lot 1002.
