(1865) Bronzed-Copper Medal J-IP-41, Andrew Johnson

Coin Details

Auction Record

$480 MS64BN 03-05-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

The circa 1865 bronzed copper Indian Peace Medal cataloged as Julian IP-41 bears the portrait of President Andrew Johnson in the bronzed copper finish. The IP-41 designation represents a distinct die variety from the IP-40 version, with the bronzed copper treatment providing a darker, more reflective surface. Johnson served from 1865 to 1869 during the tumultuous Reconstruction era. The obverse features Johnson's right-facing portrait with presidential inscriptions, enhanced by the bronzed finish. The reverse carries the peace medal design. The distinction between IP-40 and IP-41 reflects different die characteristics documented in Julian's comprehensive catalog of United States medals. Johnson's administration negotiated numerous treaties with western tribes, including the Medicine Lodge Treaty of 1867 with the southern Plains nations and the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 with the Lakota. Peace medals were presented to tribal leaders during these major treaty councils, serving as tangible symbols of the agreements being negotiated. The bronzed copper format indicates a carefully finished collector duplicate rather than a diplomatic presentation piece.

Rarity Notes

Bronzed copper finish produced in limited quantities. Scarcer than the standard bronze IP-40 version.

Cross References

Julian IP-41; PCGS #535439