1853 Franklin Pierce Indian Peace Medal. Copper, Bronzed. Second Size. Julian IP-33, Prucha-49. MS-64 BN (NGC). 63.8 mm. 2118.3 grains. Very deep mahogany bronze with slight mottling in the fields. Delightful soft satin luster on both sides and beautifully preserved surfaces. Just a couple of tiny obverse spots are noted along with a very minor patina break on the highest curl of Pierce’s hair. Struck after a notable failure of the obverse die had developed. A large crack and associated bulge extends from the rim through the first N in FRANKLIN, into the field. The reverse is also a bit distorted from light peripheral failure, but the die break that eventually forms through the Native American’s lower leg has yet to form on this piece (see the 1850 Fillmore medal above for an impression from this reverse with the break).Carl Carlson recorded four auction appearances for this medal in bronze, compared to just two for it in silver. In our archives going back more than a decade, we have offered a silver example only one more time than we have a bronze, suggesting their rarities are in fact quite comparable. Ex Stack’s, January 2010, lot 4750.
