1841 Bronze Medal J-IP-23, John Tyler

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,080 MS67BN 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1841 bronze Indian Peace Medal cataloged as Julian IP-23 bears the portrait of President John Tyler, who assumed office following the death of William Henry Harrison just thirty-one days into his term. Tyler's accession created the first presidential succession crisis in American history and briefly threw into question whether the new president possessed full authority to conduct diplomatic relations, including the distribution of peace medals to Native American leaders. The obverse features a right-facing bust of Tyler with the inscription JOHN TYLER PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. A.D. 1841, produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The reverse carries the standard clasped-hands design with crossed peace pipe and tomahawk and the motto PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP that had served continuously since Thomas Jefferson's administration. Tyler's presidency focused heavily on the annexation of Texas, which had significant implications for Native American nations in the southern plains. Peace medals bearing his likeness were distributed during treaty councils with western tribes as American expansion pushed further into the territories. This bronze duplicate was produced for collectors rather than diplomatic use.

Rarity Notes

Bronze duplicates were produced in limited runs. Tyler's unexpected presidency and the four-year term produced a moderate number of original distributions.

Cross References

Julian IP-23; PCGS #517769