(1837) Bronzed-Copper Medal J-IP-18, Martin Van Buren

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,800 MS65BN 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronzed copper Indian Peace Medal depicting Martin Van Buren is cataloged as Julian IP-18, a second die variety in the Van Buren peace medal series. The existence of multiple die varieties for Van Buren's peace medals indicates that the Mint produced different dies to accommodate varying medal sizes or to replace worn dies during the course of the administration. Van Buren was the first president born after American independence, and his administration represented a generational transition in the young republic. Despite his Dutch heritage and New York political base, Van Buren continued the Indian policies of his predecessor Jackson with little modification. The peace medals produced under his name maintained the established diplomatic conventions even as the government's relationship with Native American nations was being fundamentally transformed by removal. The Julian IP-18 bronzed copper version was produced for collectors and institutions, preserving the die designs in a durable and visually appealing format. The bronzing process applied to these copper medals gave them a uniform, dark finish that emphasized the relief and detail of the engraving. These collector strikings have become the standard means by which the Van Buren peace medal designs are represented in private collections, as original silver presentation pieces are exceedingly scarce.

Rarity Notes

Bronzed copper striking of Julian IP-18 dies. A second die variety in the Van Buren series. More accessible than silver presentation pieces.

Cross References

Julian IP-18; PCGS #536704