1871 Silver Medal J-IP-42a, 62mm Ulysses S. Grant

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,040 SP58 06-23-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1871 silver Indian Peace Medal cataloged as Julian IP-42a in the 62mm format bears the portrait of President Ulysses S. Grant in precious metal. The silver composition and 62mm diameter mark this as a diplomatic presentation piece intended for actual distribution to Native American leaders during treaty councils and reservation establishment ceremonies. The "a" suffix in the Julian number designates this as a variant within the Grant peace medal series, reflecting a different die state or size from the primary IP-42 catalog entry. The obverse features Grant's right-facing portrait with presidential inscriptions, rendered in silver at a substantial 62mm diameter. The reverse carries the peace medal design. Silver peace medals were produced in very small quantities exclusively for ceremonial presentation, unlike the bronze duplicates struck for general collector sale. Grant's Peace Policy era represented the last major period of active peace medal diplomacy. Silver medals were presented to chiefs and headmen during the negotiations that established the reservation boundaries defining Native American land holdings for generations to come. Surviving silver examples frequently show signs of personal wear by their recipients.

Rarity Notes

Silver presentation medals in 62mm format are rare. Produced in very limited quantities exclusively for diplomatic distribution. Among the most desirable Grant peace medal variants.

Cross References

Julian IP-42a; PCGS #615297