(c.1831) Bronze Medal J-IP-14, Bronzed, Andrew Jackson

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,800 MS66BN 06-16-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronzed copper medal of Andrew Jackson is cataloged under the Indian Peace Medal designation Julian IP-14, identifying it as part of the series of medals produced for diplomatic distribution to Native American leaders. The distinction between the IP (Indian Peace) and PR (Presidential) Julian catalog numbers reflects different intended purposes — IP medals were meant for treaty negotiations and diplomatic gift-giving, while PR medals were commemorative pieces for collectors and officials. The obverse features Moritz Furst's portrait of Jackson facing right, with the inscription ANDREW JACKSON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and the date reference 1829 marking the beginning of his presidency. Furst's initials appear below the truncation of the bust. The reverse carries the Peace and Friendship clasped-hands design by John Reich. The circa 1831 dating reflects the period when Furst completed the portrait die and the first examples were delivered. The bronzed copper composition — copper that has been chemically treated to produce a dark, lustrous brown surface — was the standard medium for collector examples and Mint cabinet specimens of Indian Peace Medals. These bronzed versions were produced alongside the silver diplomatic presentation pieces and offered for sale to collectors and institutions. The Jackson Indian Peace Medal is particularly notable in historical context, as Jackson's administration implemented the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans along the Trail of Tears. The medals bearing his portrait and the Peace and Friendship motto were distributed to tribal leaders even as removal policies displaced their communities.

Rarity Notes

Scarce in original bronzed copper. Early strikings from the 1830s-1840s command premium prices. Later restrikes in standard bronze are more common. The IP-14 designation covers multiple sizes and restrike periods.

Cross References

Julian IP-14; Prucha-43; Julian PR-33 (presidential catalog designation)