1850 Bronze Medal J-IP-30, Bronzed, Millard Fillmore

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,400 MS65BN 11-21-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1850 bronzed Indian Peace Medal cataloged as Julian IP-30 bears the portrait of President Millard Fillmore. This is the standard bronzed version of the Fillmore peace medal, sharing the IP-30 die variety with both the bronzed copper and silver versions but in the conventional bronzed finish used for Mint-produced collector duplicates. The obverse features Fillmore's right-facing portrait with the inscription identifying him as president from 1850. The reverse carries the clasped-hands design with crossed peace pipe and tomahawk and the PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP motto. The bronzed treatment provides a uniform dark surface that enhances the visibility of the design details. Fillmore's presidency marked a transitional period in Indian policy, as the federal government struggled to manage relations with dozens of newly contacted Native American nations across the territories acquired from Mexico in 1848. The establishment of the Indian Bureau within the Department of the Interior in 1849, just before Fillmore took office, formalized the bureaucratic apparatus through which peace medals and other diplomatic gifts were distributed to tribal leaders.

Rarity Notes

Bronzed duplicates produced for collector distribution. More commonly available than the silver presentation version but less plentiful than standard untreated bronze.

Cross References

Julian IP-30; PCGS #517778