1845 James K. Polk Indian Peace Medal. Copper, Bronzed. Second Size. First Reverse. Julian IP-25, Prucha-46. MS-65 BN (NGC). 62.5 mm. 1780.9 grains. Deep mahogany bronze with just a trace of subtle mottling in the fields. Very slight cabinet friction on the highest points but other than a minor abrasion in the upper reverse field, there is nothing to report in terms of handling marks. The surfaces have a fine satin finish and pleasing soft luster. Beautifully struck and preserved.Struck from the original dies, the reverse has the usual spalling on the rim above the tomahawk head, left of the sleeve cuff and around the leftmost index finger point. This is much rarer with the original reverse die. In fact, in all of our online archives dating back a dozen years, we have only offered two examples of this medal from the first reverse die, including this one. Quite rare and likely not appreciated as much as is warranted. Ex Stacks Bowers Galleries, March 2014, lot 10.
