(1797) Bronzed-Copper Medal J-IP-1, John Adams

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 MS66BN 08-20-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronzed copper Indian Peace Medal bears the portrait of John Adams, the second President of the United States, cataloged as Julian IP-1. Indian Peace Medals were among the most important diplomatic instruments employed by the young American republic in its relations with Native American nations. The tradition of presenting elaborately engraved medals to tribal leaders during treaty negotiations, alliance ceremonies, and diplomatic visits was inherited from the French and British colonial powers and continued by every presidential administration from Washington through Grant. The Adams peace medal was struck during a period when the new federal government was actively seeking to establish formal relationships with tribes along the expanding western frontier. The obverse features a bust of President Adams in civilian dress, reflecting the republican values the young nation wished to project. The reverse carries symbols of peace and friendship between the United States and Native American peoples, typically depicting clasped hands, a peace pipe, and a tomahawk — imagery that would become standard on the series. Bronzed copper examples represent later Mint restrikes or duplicates produced for collectors and institutions rather than the original silver presentation pieces given directly to Native American leaders. The original silver medals were highly prized by their recipients and were often worn as symbols of authority and alliance, passed down through generations of tribal leadership.

Rarity Notes

Bronzed copper striking, a later Mint restrike for collectors. Original silver presentation pieces are considerably rarer and command substantial premiums. The Adams peace medal is among the earlier and scarcer issues in the presidential peace medal series.

Cross References

Julian IP-1; PCGS #517767