(1798) Medal J-IP-52, GW-69 Silver Mounted Season Three, The Home

Coin Details

Auction Record

$132,000 AU50 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silver medal, cataloged as Julian IP-52 and GW-69, is from the "Season Three: The Home" Indian Peace Medal series, produced circa 1798. This mounted example represents the third seasonal scene in the series, depicting a domestic homestead scene intended to encourage Native American adoption of European-style settled agriculture and permanent housing. The "Home" imagery shows a dwelling and domestic activity, contrasting with the seasonal agricultural scenes on other medals in the series. The "mounted" designation indicates this specimen has been set in a frame, bezel, or other mounting, for display or wearing — a common treatment for Indian Peace Medals, which were frequently worn around the neck by their Native American recipients as symbols of diplomatic status. Indian Peace Medals in the Seasons series were produced at the Philadelphia Mint in small quantities for specific diplomatic presentations, making each variety genuinely rare. The silver composition and careful engraving reflect the medals' intended role as instruments of state, designed to impress and honor their recipients while simultaneously projecting American authority and cultural values into the frontier territories.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Silver Season series Indian Peace Medals are among the rarest and most valuable Washington medals. The mounted format reflects historical use. Auction appearances are exceptional.

Cross References

Julian IP-52; Musante-Baker GW-69; PCGS #606298