1865 Andrew Johnson Indian Peace Medal. First Size. Julian IP-40, Prucha-52, Musante GW-770, Baker-173X. Silver. Extremely Fine.75.6 mm. 2606.9 grains. Mostly deep gray surfaces with some lighter silver accents on the high points and soft blue-green highlights through the fields. Overall, a fairly uniform appearance that is quite pleasing. A very nicely preserved medal with good sharpness through the motifs. A trace of prooflike character remains in the fields, and there is no noteworthy handling damage beyond the usual light scuffing, scratches and tiny marks that are unavoidable on awarded Peace medals. Part of the original integral hanger remains affixed, though the ornamental extensions originally to the left and right of the loop are now lost, and the loop itself is bent. We are aware of 18 large-size Johnson medals which we believe to be genuine, though one of them is unpierced and was clearly never intended for distribution. It was in Ford:16, and is probably the finest silver specimen from the dies extant. We cautiously mention another that is of suspicious weight, while two more are obvious restrikes or forgeries. Of the 18 confirmed, seven are in institutional collections. Larry Ness owned two Johnson medals of this size, the other being an iconic presentation piece with the BROTHER, I AM PLEASED WITH YOU inscription on the upper reverse. That medal was a highlight of our November 2020 offering, commanding $55,200. This one is nearly a twin of that medal in terms of overall quality and appearance, but will likely sell at an inviting discount in comparison with the other, which is unique in private hands with such a presentation inscription.From the Larry Ness Collection.
