(1817) Bronze Medal J-IP-8, James Monroe

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,116 SP60 08-01-2017 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze Indian Peace Medal depicting James Monroe, the fifth President, is cataloged as Julian IP-8. Monroe's presidency (1817-1825) is often called the "Era of Good Feelings," but this characterization obscures the significant pressures being placed on Native American nations during this period. The Treaty of 1818 with Britain established the northern border at the 49th parallel, and Monroe's administration pursued an aggressive policy of Indian removal that would be formalized under his successor Andrew Jackson. Peace medals bearing Monroe's likeness were distributed during treaty negotiations that resulted in the cession of millions of acres of tribal land across the Southeast, the Great Lakes region, and the expanding frontier. The medals served simultaneously as diplomatic courtesies and as instruments of a policy aimed at relocating Native American peoples westward. Monroe himself articulated the rationale for removal in messages to Congress, arguing that it served the interests of both settlers and indigenous peoples — a view contested by many tribal leaders who received these very medals. The Julian IP-8 variety represents one of the die pairings used for Monroe peace medals. The obverse features Monroe's portrait in the restrained neoclassical style of the period, while the reverse maintains the traditional peace and friendship imagery. This bronze striking was produced for collectors rather than diplomatic purposes, preserving the dies' designs for posterity.

Rarity Notes

Bronze striking cataloged as Julian IP-8. Monroe peace medals were distributed during a period of extensive treaty-making and land cessions across the American frontier.

Cross References

Julian IP-8; PCGS #535845