1849 Zachary Taylor Indian Peace Medal. Bronze. Second Size. Julian IP-28, Prucha-47. MS-63 BN (NGC). 62.4 mm. 1956.9 grains. Attractive mahogany brown with subtle mottling visible upon close study. Traces of superficial debris are noted in the recesses but overall the surfaces are glossy and appealing. Some minor handling includes a trace of rub on the highest of Taylor’s hair curls and a blunt scratch in the upper right of the reverse. This size in bronze is found struck with both the first reverse and second reverse dies. As the second reverse was a new die in 1846 and used for the issued silver medals, we wonder if, in this case, the second reverse bronze medals were in fact struck before those with the first reverse. A detailed study of all known medals might reveal this through the obverse die states, but we unfortunately do not have access to other pieces. Ex eBay, May 2010.
