1796 Medal Indian Peace Medal Baker-171A The Farmer

Coin Details

Description

The 1796 Indian Peace Medal Baker-171A, "The Farmer" variant, is an alternate version of the Baker-171 Farmer design distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or edge treatment. The "A" suffix marks this as a cataloged variant within the Baker reference system, preserving the connection to the primary Farmer design while identifying specific physical distinctions. The Farmer scene depicted on this medal was engraved with considerable artistic skill, showing the tools and techniques of late eighteenth-century American agriculture in careful detail. The design served both as an aspirational image for Native American recipients and as a representation of American self-identity — the young republic defined itself largely through its agricultural productivity and the virtuous independence of its farming population. The distinction between Baker-171 and Baker-171A typically involves either the metallic composition or a different die state that produces visible differences in the struck piece. In the Indian peace medal series, variants are particularly important because they can indicate different production runs associated with different treaty councils or diplomatic missions. The U.S. Mint produced peace medals in batches as needed for specific diplomatic occasions, and dies were sometimes reworked between production runs.

Rarity Notes

Baker-171A variant. Rarity varies by specific metallic type. All versions of the 1796 Farmer design are significant in American diplomatic numismatics.

Cross References

Baker-171A; PCGS #506317; Julian IP-4 variant