1817 Silver Medal J-IP-9, James Monroe

Coin Details

Description

The 1817 silver Indian Peace Medal cataloged as Julian IP-9 bears the portrait of President James Monroe and represents the continuation of the presidential peace medal tradition into the Era of Good Feelings. Monroe's administration pursued an aggressive policy of Indian removal from eastern territories, and peace medals served as diplomatic instruments during the negotiation of numerous cession treaties that relocated Native American nations westward across the Mississippi. The obverse features a right-facing bust of Monroe with the inscription JAMES MONROE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. A.D. 1817, with engraving attributed to Moritz Furst. The reverse retains the standard clasped-hands design with crossed peace pipe and tomahawk and the motto PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP established by John Reich for the Jefferson medal. Silver examples were produced as the actual presentation pieces given to tribal chiefs and leaders during treaty councils and diplomatic ceremonies. The silver composition marks this as a piece intended for actual diplomatic use rather than collector distribution. Peace medals in precious metal held particular significance for their recipients, who often wore them prominently as indicators of their status as recognized leaders by the American government. Monroe-era silver peace medals are among the more available presidential issues in this metal.

Rarity Notes

Silver presentation medals were struck in limited quantities for diplomatic distribution. Surviving examples occasionally appear at auction, with most showing wear consistent with extended personal use by recipients. Fewer than 40 silver examples are estimated to survive.

Cross References

Julian IP-9; PCGS #973267