(1800) White Metal Medal Betts-401, J-IP-49 Quaker Indian Peace

Coin Details

Auction Record

$168,000 MS62BN 04-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This white metal medal, Betts-401, is a Quaker Indian Peace medal with the Julian reference J-IP-49, dating to circa 1800. Indian Peace medals were presented by colonial and early American governments to Native American leaders as diplomatic gifts. The Quaker connection reflects the important role of the Society of Friends in mediating between Native Americans and European settlers, particularly in Pennsylvania where William Penn's policy of peaceful coexistence with indigenous peoples was a founding principle. White metal medals were relatively inexpensive to produce, allowing wider distribution. Colonial-era medals were produced at royal mints, private workshops, and jewelers' studios across Europe, with production quality ranging from masterfully engraved official issues to crudely cast provincial pieces. The Julian catalog number indicates this is a recognized type in the standard American medal reference series.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Quaker Indian Peace medals are among the most important American diplomatic medals.

Cross References

Betts-401, J-IP-49