1837 Martin Van Buren Indian Peace Medal. Large Size. Silver. 76 mm. 2083.9 grains. Julian IP-17. Very Good.A very pleasing medal for the grade with deep gray surfaces that display nuances of olive, gold, pale blue and rose toning. Quite smooth and almost glossy in appearance, with significant wear from many years of service, but no serious related damage as frequently seen on these large medals. A few tiny nicks and marks are scattered about and the usual suspension hole is thinned, yet intact. The outline of Van Burens ear has been re-engraved and is but a charming (thoughtful?) addition to this grand medal that was likely very much prized by its recipient, judging from the wear. Though it is believed that 106 were struck, large size Van Buren medals in silver are quite scarce today. There were four examples in the unparalleled Ford Collection, and we have seen only two others since then. This one has the most wear, to be sure, but this means it served in its intended capacity for the longest period of time and with Indian Peace medals, unlike most other areas of numismatic or medallic interest, evidence of use frequently adds value. Father Prucha indicated that this type was distributed amongst the Cheyenne and Arapaho, then based in Oklahoma and Kansas, among other tribes in the Midwest and Upper Plains.From our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the David W. Dreyfuss Collection, April 1986, lot 5138.
