“1801” (circa 1861-1886) Thomas Jefferson Indian Peace Medal. Bronze. Second Size. Original Dies. Julian IP-3, Prucha-39. MS-63 BN (NGC). 74.8 mm. 3095.8 grains. Glossy surfaces are somewhat olive brown on the obverse while the reverse is slightly more mahogany brown. Gentle reflectivity remains through the fields on both sides. Light evidence of handling includes a few scattered tiny marks and a faint trace of patina loss on the highest point of Jefferson’s shoulder, but the overall eye appeal is quite excellent. This was struck from the original dies used to produce the silver shell medals that were presented to Native Americans early in the century. The prominent break on the reverse passing through the lower bowl of the pipe and extending on this medal to nearly the exact center of the die is visible on several of the middle-sized silver Jefferson medals we have handled or seen images of. On both sides of this piece may be seen areas of very light spalling or die rust which can be difficult to distinguish, though we suspect rust to be the culprit here due to the long span of years between the use of the dies to make the silver originals and their return to use for these restrikes in the mid-19th century. According to Julian, the dies for this medal had been replaced by October 8, 1886. The new reverse had a decidedly more modern appearance, similar to the Zachary Taylor reverse for 1849, most easily distinguished by thicker letters and distinctively flat-topped letter A punches. Earlier variations of the medal such as this one, from the original dies, are quite scarce and enjoy strong demand. As a result, they also command considerable premiums over the later iterations, as collectors appreciate not only their rarity but their closer association with the prized silver originals. The landmark John J. Ford, Jr. Collection included only a single example of this medal from the original dies, in similar condition to this one. Ex Early American History Auctions, April 2005, lot 1274; Aesculapius Collection of Indian Peace Medals, Stack’s, January 2011, lot 6205.
