1862 Silver Medal J-IP-38, 76mm, Holed Abraham Lincoln

Coin Details

Description

The 1862 silver Indian Peace Medal cataloged as Julian IP-38 in the large 76mm format bears the portrait of President Abraham Lincoln and features a hole, indicating this medal was drilled for suspension and personal wear by its Native American recipient. Holed examples provide direct evidence of actual diplomatic use, as tribal leaders who received peace medals commonly modified them for wearing around the neck on a cord or chain. The obverse features Lincoln's right-facing portrait with presidential inscriptions, rendered in silver at the substantial 76mm diameter. The reverse carries the peace medal design appropriate to the Lincoln issue. The silver composition and evidence of personal modification mark this as a genuine diplomatic presentation piece rather than a collector duplicate. Lincoln-era silver peace medals were distributed during a tumultuous period that included the Dakota War of 1862, the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, and ongoing conflicts across the western territories. The irony of presenting peace medals while simultaneously prosecuting military campaigns against Native American nations was not lost on contemporary observers. Despite the hole diminishing the medal's numismatic grade, such evidence of actual use significantly enhances its historical provenance and importance.

Rarity Notes

Silver presentation medals in 76mm format are rare. The hole confirms diplomatic use by a Native American recipient. Despite the modification, historically significant examples command strong prices at auction.

Cross References

Julian IP-38; PCGS #905284