(1857) Bronzed-Copper Medal J-IP-36, James Buchanan

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,410 SP63 03-29-2017 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1857 bronzed copper Indian Peace Medal cataloged as Julian IP-36 bears the portrait of President James Buchanan, whose single term from 1857 to 1861 was consumed by the sectional crisis that led to the Civil War. Despite this preoccupation, Buchanan's administration continued to negotiate treaties with western tribes and distribute peace medals as part of the ongoing diplomatic engagement with Native American nations. The obverse features a right-facing bust of Buchanan with the inscription JAMES BUCHANAN PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. A.D. 1857, rendered in the bronzed copper finish. The reverse carries the standard clasped-hands design with crossed peace pipe and tomahawk and the PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP motto. Buchanan was the last president before the Civil War disrupted the peace medal program. His administration oversaw treaties with tribes across the Great Plains and Pacific Northwest during a period when the approaching conflict between North and South was already diverting government attention and resources from Indian affairs. The bronzed copper treatment on this duplicate indicates a presentation-quality piece produced for collector purposes.

Rarity Notes

Bronzed copper finish produced in limited quantities. Buchanan's presidency marks the end of the pre-Civil War peace medal era.

Cross References

Julian IP-36; PCGS #536687