soilid oe | ad Ee Plo RUBUSe
COLLECTION PART 3
BETTS MEDALS, WASHINGTONIANA, INDIAN PEACE MEDALS, BOLEN MEDALS @ COLONIAL COIN COPIES
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2021
Stacks Bower
GALLERIES
Stack’s Bowers Galleries Upcoming Auction Schedule
Coins and Currency
Date
November 11, 2021
November 17-19 & 22-24, 2021
December 1-3, 2021
December 8-9, 2021
December 15, 2021
December 15, 2021
January 14-19, 2022
January 12, 2022
February 2, 2022
February 22-24, 2022
April 5-8, 2022
April 11-14, 2022
June 2022
Auction
Collectors Choice Online Auction - U.S. Coins & Currency StacksBowers.com
Stack’s Bowers Galleries - U.S. Coins & Currency Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo
Collectors Choice Online Hong Kong Auction - Asian Coins & Banknotes StacksBowers.com
Collectors Choice Online Auction — Tokens and Medals StacksBowers.com
Collectors Choice Online Auction - U.S. Coins & Currency StacksBowers.com
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries — Ancient Coins and World Coins & Banknotes Official Auction of the NYINC New York, NY
Collectors Choice Online Auction - U.S. Coins & Currency StacksBowers.com
Collectors Choice Online Auction - U.S. Coins & Currency StacksBowers.com
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries - U.S. Coins & Currency Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo
Consignment Deadline
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November 22, 2021
November 22, 2021
November 8, 2021
December 20, 2021
January 10, 2022
January 11, 2022
February 8. 2022
Hong Kong and Paris Offices: January 25, 2022 US. Offices: February 4, 2022
April 19, 2022
Front cover (left to right, top to bottom): Lot 10183: Undated (ca. 1861) Pioneer Baseball Club medal by J.A. Bolen. Musante JAB-1. Copper. MS-63 BN (PCGS); Lot 10082: 1841 John Tyler Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. First Reverse. Julian IP-21, Prucha-45. Very Fine; Lot 10024: 1777 (ca. 1785) Battle of Germantown Medal. Betts-556. Silver. AU-50. (PCGS); Lot 10114: Circa 1816 Halliday medal. Musante GW-57, Baker-70. White Metal. Ornamented rims. SP-62 (PCGS).
Back cover (left to right, top to bottom): Lot 10252: Undated (ca. 1867) Abraham Lincoln / Libertas Americana muling by J.A. Bolen. Musante JAB M-3. Copper. Marked “B 5” on edge. MS-66 BN (PCGS); Lot 10101: Undated (ca. 1890) Benjamin Harrison Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Julian IP-48, Prucha-58. Choice Very Fine; Lot 10199: “1737” (ca. 1864) Higley Copy by J.A. Bolen. Musante JAB-10. Silver. MS-63 (PCGS); Lot 10001: 1631 Dutch Victories in the New World Medal. Betts-33. Silver. MS-61. (PCGS); Lot 10032: 1781 “British Resentment” Medal. Betts-584. Silver. MS-62. (PCGS); Lot 10107: 1790 Manly medal. Original Dies. Musante GW- 10,
Baker-61A. White Metal. SP-58 (PCGS).
THE E PLURIBUS UNUM
COLLECTION PART 3
BETTS MEDALS, WASHINGTONIANA, INDIAN PEACE MEDALS, BOLEN MEDALS & COLONIAL COIN COPIES
Session 1 * Noon PT + Sunday, November 21, 2021
Griffin Studios « Stack’s Bowers Galleries Headquarters 1550 Scenic Ave., Ste. 150 « Costa Mesa, CA 92626
California Office New York Office Philadelphia Office New England Office Hong Kong Office 1550 Scenic Avenue 470 Park Avenue 1735 Market Street P.O. Box 1804 Unit 1603, 16/F Suite 150 New York, NY 10022 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Wolfeboro, NH 03894 Mira Place Tower A Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Tel: 800.566.2580 Tel: 866.840.1913 Tel: 866.811.1804 No. 132 Nathan Road Tel: 800.458.4646 Tel: 212.582.2580 Tel: 267.609.1804 Tel: 603.569.0823 Tsim Sha Tsui Tel: 949.253.0916 Fax: 212.245.5018 Fax: 603.569.3875 Kowloon, HK Fax: 844.645.7624 Tel: +011.852.2117.1191 Oklahoma Office Paris Office South Carolina Office Tel: 800.817.2646 Telephone: +33.6.14.32.3177 Telephone: 864.520.2208
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Page ii Stack’s Bowers Galleries
THE E PLURIBUS UNUM COLLECTION PART 3 Session 1 « Noon (PT) ¢ Sunday, November 21, 2021
Lot Viewing
Lot Viewing will be conducted in the Costa Mesa, CA offices (by appointment only): November 1-4, 2021
1550 Scenic Avenue, Suite 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Lot Viewing will be conducted at the New York City offices (by appointment only): November 10-13, 2021
470 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Lot Viewing will be conducted at The Baltimore Convention Center: November 16-19, 2021 « 9:00 AM-6:00 PM ET One West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Room 307
If you cannot view in person, we will have our professional numismatists on hand to answer questions via phone or email about specific lots. Please email info@stacksbowers.com to make arrangements.
Auction Location
Griffin Studios, Stack’s Bowers Galleries Headquarters
1550 Scenic Ave., Ste. 150
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
In person live bidding will be allowed in accordance with Covid-19 directives and local mandates at the time of the auction. Reservations required.
Auction Details
Session 1
The E Pluribus Unum Collection Part 3: Medals, Washingtoniana
& Colonial Copies Sunday, November 21 Noon PT
Lots 10001-10355
Session 5*
US. Coins Part 2:
Silver Dollars to the End Tuesday, November 23 9:00 AM PT
Lots 3001-3553
Session 9
U.S. Currency Internet Only Tuesday, November 30 StacksBowers.com 9:00 AM PT
Session 2*
US. Coins Part 1
Tokens, Medals & Half Cents through Half Dollars Monday, November 22
9:00 AM PT
Lots 1001-1495
Session 6*
Rarities Night Tuesday, November 23 4:00 PM PT
Lots 4001-4151
Session 10
US. Coins Part 3 Internet Only Wednesday, December 1 StacksBowers.com
9:00 AM PT
Session 3*
Early American Coins Monday, November 22 4:00 PM PT
Lots 2001-2188
Session 7
US. Coins Part 1 Internet Only Monday, November 29 StacksBowers.com 9:00 AM PT
Session 4*
US. Currency
Featuring the “Gnat” Laguna Coast Registry and Rarity Collection Part 1
Monday November 22
3:00 PM PT
Lots 20001-20274
Session 8
U.S. Coins Part 2 Internet Only Tuesday, November 30 StacksBowers.com 9:00 AM PT
*Please refer to our other November 2021 auction catalogs for further offerings of U.S. Coins, U.S. Currency,
and Numismatic Americana. Visit StacksBowers.com to view our Internet Only sessions.
Lot Pickup
Lot Pickup will be conducted at Stack’s Bowers Galleries Costa Mesa Headquarters (by appointment only).
Dates, times and locations are subject to change.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page iii
The Stack’s Bowers Galleries Team
California Office: 949.253.0916
Accounting Accounting@StacksBowers.com
Jeff Ambio
Ext. 204 — JeffA@StacksBowers.com Wayne Berkley
Ext. 225 - WBerkley@StacksBowers.com Jeremy Bostwick
Ext. 224 — JBostwick@StacksBowers.com Jeremy Carlson
Ext. 233 - JCarlson@StacksBowers.com Chris Dahncke
Ext. 217 - CDahncke@StacksBowers.com Keni Drake
Ext. 257 - KDrake@StacksBowers.com Cassi East
Ext. 286 — CEast@StacksBowers.com Sky Garcia
Ext. 200 — SGarcia@StacksBowers.com Ron Gillio
RGillio@StacksBowers.com
Richard Gonzales
Ext. 219 - RGonzales@StacksBowers.com Kyle Hoyt
Ext. 353 - KHoyt@StacksBowers.com Sarah Jackels
Ext. 296 — SJackels@StacksBowers.com Brian Kendrella
Ext. 291 - BKendrella@StacksBowers.com Aris Maragoudakis
Ext. 279 — Aris@StacksBowers.com
Eric Nifio
Ext. 338 — ENifio@StacksBowers.com Benjamin Orooji
Ext. 295 - BOrooji@StacksBowers.com Matt Orsini
Ext. 214 - MOrsini@StacksBowers.com Chris Ortega
Ext. 248 - COrtega@StacksBowers.com John Pack
Ext. 258 — JPack@StacksBowers.com Kyle Ponterio
Ext. 212 - KyPonterio@StacksBowers.com
Richard Ponterio Ext. 290 — RPonterio@StacksBowers.com
Steve Price Ext. 260 - SPrice@StacksBowers.com
Lillian Ross Ext. 321 - LRoss@StacksBowers.com
Jonathan Segal
Ext. 227 - JSegal@StacksBowers.com Cydni Shepard
Ext. 200 - CShepard@StacksBowers.com Larry Stendebach
Ext. 245 - LStendebach@StacksBowers.com
David Talk Ext. 323 - DTalk@StacksBowers.com
Kent Tran Ext. 221 - KTran@StacksBowers.com
Peter Treglia Ext. 250 - PTreglia@StacksBowers.com
Erin Whitson Ext. 235 - EWhitson@StacksBowers.com Erin Zirschky Ext. 264 - EZirschky@StacksBowers.com
Q. David Bowers Harvey Stack Stack’s Bowers Galleries Stack’s Bowers Galleries Founder Founder
QBowers@StacksBowers.com HStack@StacksBowers.com
Christine Karstedt Executive Vice President CKarstedt@StacksBowers.com
Brian Kendrella President BKendrella@StacksBowers.com
New York Office: 212.582.2580
Andrew Bowers Ext. 5522 — ABowers@StacksBowers.com
James McCartney Ext. 5455 - JMcCartney@StacksBowers.com
Asha Ramcharan Ext. 5491 — ARamcharan@StacksBowers.com
Mark Schimel Ext. 5515 — MSchimel@StacksBowers.com
Harvey Stack HStack@StacksBowers.com
Larry Stack LStack@StacksBowers.com
Kevin Vinton Ext. 5513 — KVinton@StacksBowers.com
Vicken Yegparian Ext. 5459 —- VYegparian@StacksBowers.com
New Hampshire Office: 603.569.0823
Q. David Bowers QBowers@StacksBowers.com
Christine Karstedt Ext. 361 - CKarstedt@StacksBowers.com
Melissa Karstedt Ext. 362 - MKarstedt@StacksBowers.com
Oklahoma Office: 800.817.2646
Jason Carter Ext. 631 — Jason@StacksBowers.com
John Morgan Ext. 632 — JMo@StacksBowers.com
Daniel Mitchell Ext. 633 —- DMitchell@StacksBowers.com
Jake Auernhammer Ext. 634 — JAuernhammer@StacksBowers.com
Consultants Manning Garrett, John Kraljevich, Mike Ontko, Eric Schena, Steve Tureen, Brad Yonaka
Cataloged by: John Kraljevich and John Pack.
Lawrence R. Stack Greg Roberts
Stack’s Bowers Galleries CEO Founder GRoberts@StacksBowers.com
LStack@StacksBowers.com
Andrew Glassman Chief Financial Officer
AGlassman@StacksBowers.com
Jason Carter Executive Vice President Jason@StacksBowers.com
Philadelphia Office: 267.609.1804
Bobby Avena Ext. 795 — BAvena@StacksBowers.com
Mark Curcio Ext. 792 — MCurcio@StacksBowers.com
Chris Maisano Ext.793 — CMaisano@StacksBowers.com
Drew Staats
Ext. 794 — DStaats@StacksBowers.com Hong Kong Office: +011.852.2117.1191 Evan Lam
ELam@stacksbowers.com
Nirat Lertchitvikul Nirat@StacksBowers.com
Ping Lertchitvikul Ping@StacksBowers.com
Crystal Ng CNg@StacksBowers.com
Christine Pun CPun@StacksBowers.com
Zhou Shou Yuan ZShouyuan@StacksBowers.com
Frederick Yow FredYow@StacksBowers.com
Paris: +33.6.14.32.3177 Maryna Synytsya MSynytsya@StacksBowers.com Other Offices
Samantha Douglas Ext. 5519 - SDouglas@StacksBowers.com
Henrik Holt Christensen HChristensen@StacksBowers.com
Ben Mahaffey BMahaffey@StacksBowers.com
Photographed by: Karen Bridges, Director of Photography, assisted by Anthony Browning. Renee Ferguson, Jeremy Katz, Charlie Pech, Kristy Still, Keven Tran and Nicholas Weyand.
Some images courtesy of PCGS.
Page iv
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
The Stack’s Bowers Galleries Team
Richard Ponterio John Pack Executive Vice President Executive Director RPonterio@StacksBowers.com of Consignments JPack@StacksBowers.com
Jeff Ambio Aris Maragoudakis Vice President Director of World of Numismatics Currency Auctions
JAmbio@StacksBowers.com Aris@StacksBowers.com
California Office
Peter A. Treglia Matt Orsini Director of Currency Director of World & PTreglia@StacksBowers.com Ancient Numismatics
MOrsini@StacksBowers.com
Kyle Ponterio Ben Orooji Senior Numismatist, Senior Numismatist, Consignment Director Auctioneer
KyPonterio@StacksBowers.com
East Coast Offices
Vicken Yegparian Mark Schimel Vice President East Coast Retail Director of Numismatics MSchimel@StacksBowers.com
VYegparian@StacksBowers.com
Nirat Lertchitvikul Director of Asian Operations Nirat@StacksBowers.com
Ping Lertchitvikul Operations Manager Ping@StacksBowers.com
Melissa Karstedt John Kraljevich Auctioneer, Senior Consultant Auction Director JK@StacksBowers.com
MKarstedt@StacksBowers.com
Andrew Bowers East Coast Sales Manager ABowers@StacksBowers.com
James McCartney Director of Consignments and Numismatics JMcCartney@StacksBowers.com
Asian Offices
e | <-
Crystal Ng Christine Pun Senior Auction Executive Auction Executive CNg@StacksBowers.com CPun@StacksBowers.com
Additional Expertise
Jeremy Bostwick Maryna Synytsya Senior Numismatist Manager of European and Cataloger Operations
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BOrooji@StacksBowers.com
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de Ron Gillio Wayne Berkley Numismatic Acquisitions Vice President Coordinator of Client Services
RGillio@StacksBowers.com WBerkley@StacksBowers.com
Chris Ortega Steve Price Numismatist, Director of Numismatic Lead Auctioneer Business Development
COrtega@StacksBowers.com SPrice@StacksBowers.com
Kevin Vinton Senior Numismatist KVinton@StacksBowers.com
Bobby Avena Head Numismatic Trader BAvena@StacksBowers.com
Frederick Yow Zhou Shou Yuan Consignment Director Executive Consignment Southeast Asia Director, China
Fred Yow@StacksBowers.com ZShouyuan@StacksBowers.com
Henrik Holt Christensen Senior Consignment
Director of Europe Holt@StacksBowers.com
Larry Stendebach Numismatist LStendebach@StacksBowers.com
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page v
Stack’s Bowers Galleries presents
THE E PLURIBUS UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Some of the most notable cabinets in the history of American numismatics have not included a single Federal coin, and many others are remembered not for the standard issue coins they included, but for the specialized collections that focused on the historic, the unusual, and the extremely rare.
This is our third offering from the E Pluribus Unum Collection. New Jersey coppers were the focus of the first section, while other early American coins and Washing- toniana headlined the second. In this installment, more choice rarities from EPU emerge: all historic, all cele- brated by generations of American numismatists, though none are regular issue coins of the United States Mint.
There may be no more popular collecting specialty today than Washingtoniana, the medals and tokens de- scribed in William Spohn Baker’s 1885 Medallic Por- traits of Washington, along with some medals struck after his publication. In the last E Pluribus Unum sale, some 200 lots of Washington medals were sold, and this sale follows with another memorable grouping. Begin- ning with the Manly medals, the very first Washington medals struck in the United States, an abundance of the earliest Washington portrait pieces follows, struck over 200 years ago but now more popular than ever. Pieces struck by the United States Mint and many of the 19th century’s most notable private medalists follow, most with provenance to great cabinets of the last 50 years. Each was chosen with an eye to condition and rarity.
The E Pluribus Unum Collection of medals by John Adams Bolen of Springfield, Massachusetts is among the most important offerings ever, if for no other reason than it includes Bolen’s own collection of Bolen medals. What could be better?
Betts medals and Indian Peace medals have always been the heart and soul of American medal collecting, and this catalog will serve as an important reference on both of these specialties. The Indian Peace medals range from those produced by the earliest colonizing powers, through the end of the American Government's centu- ry-long war on native peoples during the administration of Benjamin Harrison. Rarities, special provenance, and high condition specimens are commonplace on these pages, all cataloged by John Pack using the most up to date research.
The E Pluribus Unum Collection of copies of colonial coins is also offered here, ranging from well known struck copies to charming engraved pieces. Many colonial spe- cialists find these pieces offer a history lesson and an exciting contrast to the 17th and 18th century originals.
We are honored to be chosen to sell this multi-gener- ational cabinet, formed with connoisseurship, discern- ment, and a curator’s eye for history.
John Kraljevich Fort Mill, SC October 2021
Page vi
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Order of Sale
Session 1 E Pluribus Unum Collection Part 3 Thursday, November 21, 2021 Griffin Studios « Costa Mesa, CA
Noon PT
CALS OLY sessicaisssssevesssssessansbuatevnssossaabacssovseniastoassnoetobs Lot Number Early American and Betts Medals .0........essesseseeeesseetees 10001-10038 Franklin Medals ......sesssssesseeseceessesseceessesseeneesseseenensees 10039-10042 Wedgwood and Other Portrait Medallions 10043-10046 British Indian Peace Medals... eeesssseesseseeseessensees 10047-10065 Canadian Indian Peace Medal .........esesesssessessecseeseenseneessenseenes 10066 Pocket Compass ........ssssssesssesecessecseessesceseessecseesesueeneesseseeneensenseas 10067 American Indian Peace Medals .0.........ecsssesseeeceessenseees 10068-10105 Washingtoniana ..........essssseceesesseessesseesessecnseneeseeneeasenseass 10106-10181 John Adams Bolen Issues ............csccccssscsesesssssseeeseseseseeeees 10182-10284 Colonial Coins and Related... eseeseseseeseceeetesseenees 10285-10355
Engraved Colonial Coins 0.0... sesssssessecseeseeseentecseaee 10285-10293
Struck Copies of Colonial Coins... eeeseeseseeeceees 10294-10343
Electrotypes and Cast Copies of Colonial Coins ....... 10344-10355
Please refer to our other November 2021 auction catalogs for further offerings of U.S. Coins, U.S. Currency, and Numismatic Americana.
Visit StacksBowers.com to view our Internet Only sessions.
View our entire auction schedule online at StacksBowers.com.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page vii
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GALLERIES
SESSION I THE
eeu
PART 3
BETTS MEDALS, WASHINGTONIANA, INDIAN PEACE MEDALS, BOLEN MEDALS & COLONIAL COIN COPIES
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2021, NOON PT LOTS 10001-10355
THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
NUMISMATIC AMERICANA
EARLY AMERICAN AND BETTS MEDALS
Finest Seen Betts-33 - An Iconic Colonial Medal
10001
1631 Dutch Victories in the New World Medal. Betts-33. Silver. MS-61 (PCGS). 50.0 mm. 667.4 grains. One of the classic rarities among the early Betts series, with an incredibly evocative depiction of the Belgic lion forcibly toppling Spain's Pillars of Hercules, the symbols of their trans-Atlantic imperial dominion. Lustrous silver gray with some field reflectivity and deep golden toning at the peripheries of both sides. Scattered minor marks and hairlines are seen, including a pair of small nicks on the jawline of the portrait of the Prince of Orange. The reverse shows substantial double striking, most notable at the periphery. The devices are crisp, and the dynamic motion of the empowered lion over the backdrop of an incredibly diminutive cityscape above the exergue is all well executed. This is a beautiful design and a beautiful medal.
In 20 years, your cataloger has only seen four of these: the two sold from the John W. Adams Collection in 2013, both sourced in Europe; LaRiviere’s, sold in 2001, that came from a 1999 Spink sale; and this one, ex Ford and with the longest American provenance of any. Were this one of Betts’ many stretches, it might not much matter that it’s especially rare, but this medal
isn't one that a historian can peripherally affiliate with American colonization with a little knowledge and a lot of imagination. Instead, the reverse marks this medal as the most essential medallic depiction of the central New World struggle of the early 17th century: the naval conflict off these shores between Spain and the Netherlands. The conflict focused on the West Indies and Brazil, where the long battle for Pernambuco ended the year this medal was struck. This medal was almost certainly commissioned in the aftermath of the 1630 battles for Olinda and Recife in Pernambuco. In 1631, the Spanish retook it, but the same Dutch West Indies Company that struggled against the Spanish below the Equator was then in charge of New Netherlands and was, that very year, establishing Swanendael on the coast of modern-day Delaware. The Dutch-Spanish rivalry set the stage for the entire age of colonization, from the dominance of the slave trade to West Indian place names.
Among the four specimens seen, this is easily the nicest. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Ted Craige estate in October 1982; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIII, January 2006, lot 687. Said to be ex Picker and Fuld collections.
Page 2
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Evocative and Rare American Treasure Captured at Vigo Medal
10002
1702 American Treasure Captured at Vigo Medal. Betts-99. Silver. AU Details—Repaired (PCGS) 44.1 mm. 603.0 grains. Plain edge. A rarity among the medals commemorating the Battle of Vigo Bay, and one of the most imposing and aesthetically pleasing medals from that popular series as well. The lustrous and nicely reflective fields show pale blue, violet- rose, and attractive gold toning over light silver gray surfaces. A light rim bruise is seen at 3:00 on the reverse, and an old but deep mark on the jawline of Queen Anne shows some smoothing, an attempt to diminish it. The overall visual appeal is excellent, and the boldness of the distinctive reverse device - showing Hercules holding down a sea serpent while reclaiming the Golden Fleece from a French centurion - is particularly impressively rendered.
While several of the Vigo medals are common, this one isn't. Neither LaRiviere nor Adams, who pursued the medals of this era relentlessly, ever got one. If the rarity of this medal isn’t enough to attract a collector, the reverse types of this medal are the most evocative of the series, with Hercules throttling a soldier who grasps the Golden Fleece surrounded by a legend Betts translates as “Not by deceit or stratagem, but by open war.” The bottling up of the Spanish fleet at Vigo, and the British capture of the riches that were grounded, is one of the most fascinating chapters in this long conflict, one that manifests in many interesting ways across numismatics. This medal is near the pinnacle of the many Vigo commemorations.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Baldwin's sale of April
5, 1994, lot 81; John W. Adams Collection; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J.
Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIII, January 2006, lot 812.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 3
THE EY PLURIBUS*S UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
10003
1711 American Century Plant Medal. Betts-108. Silver. AU-55 (PCGS). 38.7 mm. 234.9 grains. Attractive pale blue with subtle gold and rose on lustrous and attractive silver gray surfaces. Bright luster remains around design elements and legends on both sides, haloed in multicolor highlights and somewhat reflective in areas. Only the most trivial evidence of handling is visible, with no damage or flaws worth noting. A very attractive medal with a fine original appearance.
A rarity in the Betts series, and an unusual entry that celebrates neither place nor person, neither war nor peace, but a plant. Native to desert areas of Mexico and the American Southwest, Agave Americana has often been called the “century plant” for the infrequency of its blooms (seemingly, once a century, though the plant's lifespan is actually far less). It was extraordinarily exotic in Europe in the early 18th century, and every time one bloomed in some carefully curated garden, it became worthy of medallic commemoration. The Betts listed series ranges from Betts-103, dated 1700, to Betts-110, dated 1726, though the text is careful to point out “there are other ‘Century plant medals’ beside the foregoing ... of a date too late to entitle them to a place in this volume, or the plant is of a different species and not of American origin.” Betts did miss a 1716-dated medal that fits in this series, depicting Empress Elizabeth Christina on the obverse; Ford's specimen transferred to Adams and remains the sole example your cataloger has encountered. Of the 103 to 110 series, Ford
lacked 104, 106, and 107. Adams had all but 106, making it the most complete run of these interesting medals ever assembled. Betts-103 and Betts-110 seem to be the ones offered most frequently, which is to say decades may not pass between offerings.
This particular number celebrates the massive agave in the Bosian Garden in Leipsic, the same plant honored by the 1700-dated Betts 103. The reverse of this medal is the same as the Betts-103 sold as Ford:819. Ford:818 and Ford:820, both attributed as Betts-103, were struck from different dies that were of an identical general type. Both sides depict the plant on this variety. The obverse includes the name of the gardener, naturally: “CULTOR / E. PEIN” is hidden among the leaves, guaranteeing that 21st century American collectors would properly honor the name of Elias Pein, who watered this thing. The reverse shows the plant’s towering size using a man, at right, as scale - fairly accurately, even, considering the 28-foot-tall plant is about four times taller than the figure next to it.
This example, from the Ford sale, has been off the market since that 2006 auction, an interval over which only the 2014 Adams specimen has been offered publicly. We know of no other American auction records for this Betts number. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Jacques Schulman, May 1967; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIII, January 2006, lot 823.
Page 4 Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Attractive 1713 Peace of Utrecht Medal in Gold
10004
1713 Peace of Utrecht medal. Betts-unlisted, Pax-431, Eimer-460. Gold. SP-55 (PCGS). 34.6 mm. 344.8 grains. A popular official medal marking the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, a conflict that moved some borders around in North America and thus deserved a spot in Betts (despite the fact that it was not included). Fairly common in silver (and struck in sufficient quantities that a number of die pairs are known), this is quite rare in this most noble composition. The bright yellow
surfaces, though attractive and lustrous, do show a fair number of marks on both sides, resembling what might be encountered on a circulating gold coin. The devices are sharp, and this piece’s eye appeal and rarity recommend it for a spot in a well-formed cabinet. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Spink & Son in 1992; our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIII, January 2006, lot 865.
Betts-113: The Beginning of the Franco-American Jeton Series
10005
1723 Compagnie des Indes Medal. Betts-113, Frossard-1. Silver. AU-50 (PCGS). 31.0 mm. 126.0 grains. Reeded edge. Smooth and attractive antique gray with golden highlights. Lively and original, with picture perfect toning that only years in an old collection can imbue. Well struck and nicely detailed, with no significant post striking flaws. A small natural lamination is noted beneath G of AUGET, but it does not impact the positive aesthetic appeal.
Ford had four of these, of which this was the nicest, but his mini hoard (composed of this piece from his remarkable Raymond Estate acquisition, two sourced in Europe, and one acquired from John Adams’ duplicates) severely understates how scarce this medal is. LaRiviere’s was underappreciated back in 2001, bringing just $650, but it brought $9,400 in 2016 when resold as part of our offering of the John Sallay Collection (just six
weeks after Heritage sold a similar one for $540, for those of you keeping score at home). Partrick’s brought $3,120 earlier this year.
This piece has two primary historical attractions. First, it represents the beginning of the Franco-American jeton series, cataloged as Frossard-1 in Ed. Frossard’s monograph on the series. Secondly, it’s the first medal to commemorate the company that essentially founded Canada, as represented by the depiction of Mont Real (i.e. Montreal), and later established New Orleans at the mouth of the Mississippi. Its types are attractively rendered as well.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Wayte Raymond
estate; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIII, Janu-
ary 2006, lot 829.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 5
THE Et: PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Rare and Famous John Law Medal
10006
1720 John Law From Riches to Ruin medal. Betts-128. Silver. MS-63 (PCGS). 40.6 mm. 350.1 grains. A spectacularly attractive example of this rare John Law medal, perhaps the most visually impressive medal of the entire series. Lustrous and lightly reflective medium gray surfaces show choice light blue toning tinged with gold, and hints of other shades in protected areas. Crisp and choice on both sides, profoundly detailed and perfectly attractive. Only the most trivial marks are seen, but the surfaces are fresh and original.
The depiction of a treasure chest full of coins, and bank bills being studied under a magnifying glass, make this piece an instant classic. The reverse types of ruined investors hanging,
scrambling, and throwing themselves into a river are among the most fascinating in the entire Betts series as well. It's no wonder collectors enjoy this rarity so much. This example brought $13,800 in the Ford sale of 2006; Adams’ was not quite as pretty and brought $7,637 in 2014.
John Law medals are scarce as a class, and the story of how Law’s cockamamie economic concepts relate to the expansion of France's territory in the New World is a singular vignette in a series full of them. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Virgil M. Brand Collection, Part 10, Sotheby's, October 24, 1985, lot 505; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIII, January 2006, lot 605.
10007
1747 Circumnavigation of the Globe by Lord Anson Medal. Betts-382. Silver. AU-58+ (PCGS) 43.3 mm. 375.3 grains. An exceptionally pretty example of this popular British medal, marking the contributions of one of the great naval figures of the mid-18th century. Both sides are nicely reflective and boldly lustrous, with a wealth of multicolored toning against light gray surfaces. Pale blue, faint violet, sea green, and rich gold tones dominate. Only trivial hairlines are present, and a careful examination will find a single thin
hairline scratch at the tip of Anson’s nose.
This is something of a dual commemorative. The obverse celebrates Anson’s victory at the first battle of Cape Finisterre, off the Spanish coast, in 1747. The reverse marks Anson’s circumnavigation from 1740 to 1744. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Christie’ sale of March 1, 1966, part of lot 128; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 443.
Page 6 Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
10008
1752 Compagnie des Indes Occidentales Jeton. Betts-387 var, Lecompte-112b. Silver. AU-58 (PCGS). 28.8 mm. 113.6 grains. Reeded edge. A popular addition to the Betts series, muling the reverse of Betts-384 with the obverse of Betts-387, a combination seen often enough to wonder how Betts missed it. Nice golden and blue toning over silver gray surfaces, richly lustrous and very attractive. This variety usually appears with significant handling and this one is nicer than most.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Maison Platt on October 6,
1973; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot
313.
10009
1759 British Victories of 1758 Medal. Betts-418. Silver. MS-62 (PCGS). 44.1 mm. 453.5 grains. A French and Indian War classic, honoring victories of the global Seven Years War on three continents from May to November 1758. Attractive and reflective, especially on the reverse, with rich old toning over silver gray surfaces. Rose and blue highlights blend into the various shades of gray. Lustrous and sharply detailed, beautifully preserved with only trivial hairlines. The fact that this medal is so common in its usual brassy base metal composition tells us how popular it was; the fact that the silver ones are so rare tells us how special the recipients of them must have been.
Ford owned two of these in silver, but this composition is dozens of times scarcer than the more typical brass or the fairly scarce copper strikings. As it marks such important American battles as Niagara, Crown Point, and Quebec, it fits naturally into a North American- focused collection of colonial medals.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Wayte Raymond estate; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 58. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Wayte Raymond estate; our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 58.
10010
1759 The End Crowns the Work medal. Betts-423. Tin. About Uncirculated. 33.7 mm. 143.6 grains. Glossy deep pewter gray with some surviving silvery luster in protected areas. The surfaces are oxidized and somewhat wavy, despite their smooth appearance and natural gloss. Some flakes of metal loss are noted, mostly around the rim, all small and not impacting design elements. All motifs are crisp and well defined. The obverse is cracked at lower right, with three nearly parallel breaks giving the field there a terraced appearance. The longest of those cracks arcs beneath the shoulder truncation, from X of REX to 6:00.
This is a rare medal. While Betts and Medallic Ilustrations list this medal exclusively in silver, we've only seen it in tin. In fact, we’ve seen just two of these - this piece and the inferior Adams specimen - and they both came from the same 1989 English auction. The Adams specimen was the last sold, bringing $5,462 in January 2012. LaRiviere never had one, and we're guessing you, gentle reader, don’t have one either.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Glendining’s sale of March
1989, lot 589C; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May
2006, lot 85.
10011
1760 Montreal Taken Medal. Betts-429, Eimer-236. Silver. AU-58 (PCGS). 40.6 mm. 441.3 grains. Plain edge. Even and appealing deep slate gray on the obverse, more lustrous and lively on the reverse, with reflective silver gray surfaces showing pastel blue and deep golden toning. Multiply struck to bring up detail, typical of this medal and others in the SPAC series, with evidence of the multiple striking seen at the peripheries. Sharp and problem free, with minimal evidence of handling.
No mini-set within the Betts series surpasses the SPAC medals from the era of the French and Indian War when considering the historical and aesthetic appeal. Conceived by numismatist Thomas Hollis, a friend of Benjamin Franklin’s, the medals riff on themes from ancient coins while splendidly embracing motifs related to the then-contemporary war in America. With a weeping pine and a curious beaver, this medal ranks high among the medals of the Society for Promoting Arts and Commerce (later known as the Royal Society for the Arts) for sheer brilliance of design. It is scarce in both copper and silver, but this is the less common composition.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Wayte Raymond estate;
our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 98.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 7
THE E*¥ PLURIBUS*S UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
10012
1762 Seven Years War Box Medal and Roundels. By John Van Nost. Medallic Illustrations George II 453. Silvered brass. Extremely Fine. 50.3 mm. 19.2 mm thick. Two piece box with screw-top lid containing 110 uniface printed roundels entitled “A Short History in Miniature of the Origin and Progress of the late War from its Commencement to the Exchange of Ratification of Peace between Great Britain, France, & Spain, on the 20th of Feby. 1763.” A fascinating production, rather like other box medal sets of roundels from this era, though the paper inserts are neither connected to each other (like paper dolls) nor tied together with ribbon as sometimes seen. The text describes actions and events in both Europe and North America, and the images are generic period renditions of naval and military scenes. The portraits of George II and George III on the box are both signed IVN at the bust truncation, for John Van Nost. The lids are slightly dented in a few spots but altogether in very nice condition. This could well have been included in Betts had he known about it. Hawkins, the author of Medallic Illustrations, listed the George II side but knew of the existence of at least one intact box. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Fred Baldwin in August 1969; our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 142.
10013
1762 Europe Hopes for Peace Medal. Betts-442. Silver. SP-62 (PCGS). 44.7 mm. 422.0 grains. A stunning example, deeply reflective on both sides and colorfully toned in deep gold, amber, and pale violet. Crisp and well detailed, a fabulous piece of medallic art from the finest Dutch engraver of his era, Johann Georg Holtzhey. Some trivial handling is noted, but there are no significant problems. A tiny cud is present on the raised rim below the reverse exergue, and two jogging die cracks extend from the top of the column to E of DET.
One of the most fascinating allegories of the era, this medal shows a native American, as typically rendered, holding a tiny Cupid, who tops a victory column with an even tinier statue of Peace. The reverse shows the joys of trade and the fruits of peace in classic form. Though rarely encountered, Ford owned three of these. Your cataloger noted in his catalog at the time that this piece was the nicest of the three.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Jose Medina Collection;
Almanzar’s Mail Bid Sale of June 30, 1973, lot 4654; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J.
Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 145.
10014
(1766) William Pitt Medal. Betts-516, Dies 1-A (Kraljevich 1). Copper. SP-63 BN (PCGS). 40.1 mm. 361.0 grains. 2.3-2.4 mm thick. Lustrous chocolate brown with abundant highlights of original mint color around design elements and peripheries. Sharp and pleasing, with only a few little specks at Pitt's eye and a couple of short scratches beneath TT of PITT to note.
Two varieties of this Pitt type were struck in 1766: this one, described as Dies 1-A in the January/February 2016 issue of the MCA Advisory, and Betts-517, described as Dies 4-D or Kraljevich-5 in the same paper. Betts defined his 515 as lacking Thomas Pingo’s signature under the bust and 516 as having T. PINGO E at the truncation - but this obscures the fact that two copy obverses were made ca. 1863, one of which lacked the signature (Betts-515) and one of which had it (Kraljevich Obverse 2). The variety offered here is unquestionably of 18th century vintage.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Stack’s) sale of the John J.
Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 381.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
10015
(1766) William Pitt Medal. Betts-516, Dies 1-A (Kraljevich 1), modified. Copper. MS-60. 40.2 mm. 344.3 grains. 2.2-2.3 mm thick. Smooth medium brown with some blue toning on the reverse. A truly unique example, modified sometime close to its era of striking by smoothing the obverse legends to make that side anepigraphic and planing the reverse flat before carefully engraving WILLIAM PITT / LOST IN PARCHMENT / AND BVTISM / IVLY XXX MDCCLXVI. The last line references the date (July 30, 1766) Pitt became Prime Minister, but the whole quote comes from a line written by (noted medal collector) Thomas Hollis to his friend Edmund Quincy of Boston in a letter of October 1, 1766: “the recent unparalleled prostitution and apostasy of the once magnanimous and almost divine ******* [Chatham], who now is totally lost in parchment and BUTISM.” Lord Bute, once Prime Minister, was by that point entirely unpopular with those on the left side of Britain’s internal politics.
This medal is both professionally produced and an apparent one-off; it is unique today and probably always was. That it quotes Thomas Hollis -who himself was one of the leading collectors of medals and commissioners of commemorative medals in this era - suggests his involvement. That the quote comes from a private letter between Hollis and his American correspondent suggests that one may have made the medal for the other. The engraving has every appearance of being of the mid-18th century period. This is an absolutely fascinating piece, a centerpiece to an advanced Pitt collection.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Ted Craige estate, October
1982; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot
384,
10016
(1766) (i.e. 1863) William Pitt Medal. Betts-516, Dies 2-B (Kraljevich 2). Brass. MS-63 (PCGS). 40.4 mm. 566.9 grains. 3.4-3.8 mm thick. An impressive and rare piece, the only one your cataloger has ever seen in this composition, a body of medals that includes all those owned by Ford, Adams, and Craige and pretty much all other collections sold in the last 20 years. Though this bears the T. PINGO E signature under the bust, its marriage to the same reverse die that was used to strike Groh’s overstruck silver specimen is enough to confirm that this medal, and all struck from this obverse die, were coined in New York in 1863.
Though this and the Groh medal share an obverse, they actually represent entirely different Betts numbers, as Betts distinguishes between Pitt medals with a signature on the obverse and those without. This example was struck from an apparently early die state, with a very crude T PINGO FE signature hand-engraved into the die at the truncation of Pitt's shoulder, notable repunching on MV of GVLIELMVS, and significant spalling on the base of the bust. The Groh medal, from the altered later die state, lacks the signature and shows thinner letterforms that suggest the entire obverse die was significantly lapped or polished. The quality of this piece is lovely, with full lustrous and bright brassy gold surfaces, barely dimmed by some trivial obverse spotting. A beautiful and important piece, struck on a thick planchet rather like the bronze ones struck from this die marriage.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (ANR’) sale of the Lake
Michigan and Springdale Collections, June 2006, lot 743.
10017
(1766) (i.e. 1863) William Pitt Medal. Betts-515, Dies 3-C (Kraljevich 3). Silver, Not Overstruck. MS-61 (PCGS). 42.5 mm. 557.2 grains. 2.0-2.4 mm thick. A medal made in New York in imitation of one made in London, acquired by John J. Ford, Jr. of New York from a coin dealer in London. Lustrous and lightly reflective, with beautiful navy blue and deep gray toning over silver gray surfaces. Hints of gold surround the design elements. Boldly double struck, with significant rotation between strikes visible on the reverse (but none on the obverse). Raised die polish lines are visible in the obverse fields, most notably beneath PITT and parallel to the portrait’s chest. Problem free and very pretty. This is a rare medal in silver, struck in the same shop in New York in 1863 as the overstruck example offered here, using the same reverse die.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from A.H. Baldwin & Sons, Ltd. on
June 23, 1969; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May
2006, lot 377.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 9
THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
The Rosetta Stone of William Pitt Medals
10018
(1766) (i.e. 1863) William Pitt Medal. Betts-515, Dies 2-C (Kraljevich 4). Silver, Overstruck on English Charles II Crown. AU-53 (PCGS). 43.4 mm. 449.3 grains. Pale gold and blue tones highlight smooth deep silver gray surfaces. Abundant evidence of the undertype is seen at the central reverse, and some hints of the host's edge lettering is still apparent. Struck out of collar and thus somewhat out of round, with a distinct natural indentation at the truncation of Pitt’s bust. Some light vertical hairline scratches are seen in the left obverse field, old enough to be mostly hidden by the toning, and some tell-tale lint marks on the reverse suggest the preparation that went into the striking of this unique specimen.
Totally unique as an overstrike, this medal proves that all those struck from this obverse and reverse die - and from the dies linked to those dies - were coined in 19th century New York rather than 18th century London. Edward Groh described this exact piece in thorough detail in a letter to the American Numismatic Society dated February 14, 1901:
”Mr. C. Wyllys Betts, in his work, American Colonial History, Illustrated by Contemporary Medals, describes a William Pitt medal (No. 515) as follows: obverse, Gulielmus Pitt, bust of Pitt to left. Reverse: inscription in ten lines, “The man who having saved the parent, pleaded with success for her children’ Struck in silver and bronze. Two varieties of each die with slight differences in bronze. Size 26. The date given is 1766.
“I have here a silver medal which answers precisely to this description, but which is an imitation, the dies of which were cut by a die-sinker of this city and medals struck from them at No. 29 Rose Street on a large screw press, operated by a German, in the year 1863.
“Tt was about this time that the so-called copperheads, or war tokens were being issued, and on one of my visits to this establishment for specimens of these tokens I discovered a trial- piece in lead of this medal lying at the base of the press. It was
hastily taken from me, but I saw at a glance its character; it was a revelation to me that a fraud was about being perpetrated on the Numismatic fraternity. For very good reasons I kept my suspicions to myself, and in an apparently unconcerned manner requested a copy, for which I offered a fair price. My offer was declined on the reasonable ground that the dies were not his property, but belonged to a gentleman who was a very good customer, for whom he did a great deal of work (probably of the same nature), who paid well for it and who wanted it done secretly.
“Having made the discovery, I was determined to obtain a specimen for the purpose of proving its New York origin, as well as for comparison with the English piece. I called the following day and handed him an old, smooth-worn Crown of Charles II of England and requested him to impress the dies on the coin, which he reluctantly accepted. A few days later I received the medal, accompanied by another specimen in white metal.
“No doubt, a number of these medals have found their way into the cabinets of Numismatists throughout the country, as well as in this city, who may be deluded with the belief that they possess the original English medal. With the slight varieties existing, according to Mr. Betts, it may be a difficult matter to determine which is the early and which the late production. It is possible that Mr. Betts may have been deceived with the imitation and placed it on record as a variety of the original. I shall be pleased if any member of this Society who may possess one of these medals will bring it here for comparison, as I shall present this medal to the Society for this purpose and for identification”
This precise medal was used to puzzle out the timeline of this and related varieties in the January/February 2016 issue of the MCA Advisory. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier, Edward Groh, 1863; Wayte Raymond estate; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 376.
Page 10
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
10019
1773 William Pitt, Lord Chatham Medal. Betts-522. Silver. EF-45 (PCGS). 26.1 mm. 101.8 grains. Light silver gray with attractive old toning. Though quite common in copper, this is a very elusive medal in silver, struck as prizes in a contest conducted by The Sentimentalist magazine of London around 1775. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from George Fuld on May 3, 1973; our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 393.
10020
1773 William Pitt, Lord Chatham Medal. Betts-522. Silvered bronze. MS-62 (PCGS). 25.9 mm. 87.1 grains. An unusual and scarce composition for this medal, looking quite silvery but actually tinned bronze. Deep gold with pastel and rose shades over lustrous surfaces. Exceptionally sharp and well detailed. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from A.H. Baldwin & Sons, Ltd. on June 16, 1967; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 394.
10021
1778 William Pitt Memorial Medal. Betts-523. Silver. AU-58 (PCGS). 37.2 mm. 319.9 grains. Lustrous and attractive deep gray with blue and pale violet overtones. Only light handling is seen, none troubling, though a scattering of small nicks are present in the reverse fields. Rarely encountered in silver, and not especially common in bronze either.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Ralph Goldstone on August
12, 1965; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006,
lot 399.
10022
1778 William Pitt Memorial Medal. Betts-523. Bronze. MS-64BN (PCGS) 37.2 mm. 327.1 grains. A really pretty example, with richly lustrous chocolate brown surfaces and faded mint color around devices, particularly prominent on the reverse. Well struck and ideally preserved.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from James King on April 19, 1974; our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 400.
10023
1775 William Penn Memorial Medal. Betts-531. Silver. AU-58 (PCGS). 40.3 mm. 409.6 grains. A popular and important American reference medal, commissioned by the Penn family to honor their ancestor who founded the colony of Pennsylvania. Abundant golden toning graces deeply reflective light silver gray surfaces. The fields show some marks and hairlines, but none are terribly serious. The Indian figure on the reverse appears again, decades later, at the central reverse of the 1805 Eccleston medal. Silver strikes of this medal are multiple times more elusive than specimens in bronze.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from G. Hearn via Spink & Son,
Ltd. on July 23, 1969; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV,
May 2006, lot 368.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 11
THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Extremely Rare Silver Germantown Medal The Only British Medal from the American Revolution
10024
1777 (ca. 1785) Battle of Germantown Medal. Betts-556. Silver. AU-50 (PCGS). 44.5 mm. 415.4 grains. 1.7 - 2.6 mm thick. Holed for suspension, as issued. A beautiful example of perhaps the most important of all medals from the American Revolution, unquestionably the most important one issued to rank and file soldiers. This awarded medal shows fine old cabinet toning in shades of pale blue and champagne gold over light silver gray surfaces. Some natural dirt has accrued around the devices over decades of benign neglect, but no significant damage is present, just a few tiny rim nicks, the usual array of minor contact marks, and a dig to the upper left of O in TOWN. The visual appeal is superb, certainly not a requirement of a medal awarded to and worn by a veteran of a Revolutionary War battle during their military career, but it doesn't hurt. The reverse shows a significant spread between the two visible strikes, bringing the devices up crisply and prominently.
Intended exclusively for officers of the 40th Foot, silver Germantown medals are extremely rare. The regiment returned home in 1783 and the medal was produced slightly thereafter as a battle award for the veterans of the Philadelphia Campaign - making it the only British award medal for an action of the American Revolution. They were first documented in 1789, when a report to the War Office noted: “The Officers of this Regiment Wear also a silver Medal round their necks presented to them by the present Colonel in memory of the very gallant and noble stand the Regiment made at German Town, which however proper, and tending to keep up the memory of the extraordinary good behaviour of the Regiment on that Duty, I find wants the sanction of His Majesty’s Approbation to be Entered in the Regimental Orderly Books.”
The “present colonel” in 1789 was General Sir George Osborne, who took over command in 1786, perhaps suggesting an origin
date for these medals. The silver examples that are known are from early states of the dies, suggesting a batch was struck and then distributed over time, into the 19th century when this medal became something more akin to a good conduct medal than a battle award. Copper examples were struck over a longer interval, it appears, with awarded examples outnumbered by unholed strikes for cabinets.
Germantown medals are among the most difficult medals in the Betts canon to authenticate: many of the real ones took significant abuse, and many of the copies are now well over a century old and have taken on the look of a well loved antique. This medal and the one that follows are instructive for a few reasons. Germantowns with significant age tend to show very similar wear on their holes, for one, but perhaps most importantly (and most difficult to counterfeit), their planchets are never of consistent thickness. While a variation of a few tenths of a millimeter is pretty typical for most medals, Germantowns tend to show immense variations in their rim thicknesses. They also tend to be quite thin. If a Germantown medal is encountered with rims that are of the same thickness all the way around, one should approach with extreme skepticism.
This example is the finest silver Germantown medal offered in recent memory, though any offering is notable; there may be as few as five of these in private hands. LaRiviere’s is now at Colonial Williamsburg. As the sole British medal struck to mark a battle of our War for Independence, it will always loom large in importance among the entire Betts medal series. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from A.H. Baldwin & Sons, Ltd. on July 2, 1971; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 162; our (Stack’s) Philadelphia Americana sale of September 2009, lot 6075.
Page 12
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Important 1777 Battle of Germantown Medal A Regimental Honor from the 40th Foot
10025
1777 (ca. 1785) Battle of Germantown Medal. Betts-556. Copper. EF-45 (PCGS). 44.4 mm. 459.6 grains. 2.4 - 3.0 mm thick. Holed for suspension, as issued. Smooth and even medium chocolate brown. An early strike, struck in the 18th century and almost certainly awarded to a veteran of the epochal battle that precedes the British capture of the Revolutionary seat at Philadelphia. Scattered light marks are seen, some worn old scratches noted below the reverse date, somewhat less worn but still ancient scratches present above GERM. On a piece like
is a medal that was worn by a soldier, not kept in a mahogany cabinet by a collector.
Copper Germantown medals are nearly as rare as silver ones, despite being struck over a far broader continuum of time. We last offered one in 2015, when an example from the John W. Adams Collection realized $11,750. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Wayte Raymond estate; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 167.
this, unlike some medals, the marks are actually helpful: this
10026 10027
1777 France Prepares to Aid America Jeton. Betts-558. Silver. MS- 1777 France Prepares to Aid America Jeton. Betts-558. Silver. MS- 62 (PCGS). 29.4 mm. 111.0 grains. Reeded edge. Lovely, variegated 62 (PCGS). 29.1 mm. 109.6 grains. Reeded edge. Lustrous silver gray toning of violet, rose, gold, and blue enlivens highly lustrous surfaces. with subtle and attractive toning. A very pleasing piece A particularly high grade example. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Maison Platt on June 11, From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Maison Platt on June 11, 1969; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 1969; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 185. 174.
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THE Ev: PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
10028
1777 France Prepares to Aid America Jeton. Betts-558. Silver. AU- 58+ (PCGS). 29.9 mm. 137.3 grains. Reeded edge. Attractively toned, with pastel blue dominating the obverse and a blend of deep gold and blue-green on the reverse. A good bit of luster remains, and the eye appeal is excellent. Some hairlines are visible. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Maison Platt on June 11, 1969; our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 181.
10029
1777 France Prepares to Aid America Jeton. Betts-558. Silver. AU- 58 (PCGS). 29.4 mm. 107.9 grains. Reeded edge. Beautifully toned in rose, blue, and gold over frosty, lustrous surfaces. A lovely example, with a short horizontal scratch near the king’s lips noted but no other problems of consequence.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Maison Platt on June 11, 1969; our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 176.
10030
1777 France Prepares to Aid America Jeton. Betts-558. Copper. AU- 55 BN (PCGS). 28.8 mm. 129.7 grains. Plain edge. Remaining mint color blends with deep blue toning on lustrous surfaces. Some old marks are seen on the cheek, otherwise fairly well preserved. Bronze examples of this Betts number are many times more elusive than silver ones, and they are often struck from distinctive and unusual obverses, as seen here.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Maison Platt on June 11, 1969;
our (Stack’) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 189.
10031
1779 (ca. 1874) Henry Lee at Paulus Hook Medal. Betts-575, Julian MI-5. Bronze. SP-63 (PCGS). 45.3 mm. 817.1 grains. One of the rarest of the Comitia Americana medals, struck from the original 1793 obverse die by Joseph Wright and a copy reverse in the last quarter of the 19th century. Even light brown and tan, with some navy blue highlights on the obverse. Nicely preserved and problem free aside from a small rim nick atop the reverse. The ancient obverse is cracked and broken, and shows many raised die polish lines from the reclamation project that preceded the production of collector strikes like this one.
The LaRiviere-Ford Example of the Henry Lee Medal
With a mintage of just 35 pieces, it is not surprising that the great John Ford did not acquire a specimen of this medal until the 2001 sale of the Lucien LaRiviere cabinet, making this the last of the Comitia Americana series he acquired. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Me- rena’) sale of the Lucien LaRiviere Collection, May 21, 2001, lot 1079; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 209.
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Enigmatic “British Resentment” Medal
10032
1781 “British Resentment” Medal. Betts-584. Silver. MS- 62 (PCGS). 54.1 mm. 685.2 grains. Plain edge, collar mark at 6:00. A distinctive medal in the Betts series, unusual for its size, its enigmatic designs, and its die work, which appears Continental despite the fact that it depicts the British monarch. Violet, pale blue, and gold tones dominant the lustrous and somewhat reflective light silver gray fields. Sharp and attractive, with scattered evidence of handling but no individually serious marks. The obverse shows some trivial hairlines, while the reverse shows an abundance of lint marks all over that side, evidence that the dies were being cleaned and polished regularly (and thus marking this as a medal that was intended for a sophisticated collector class and not a more plebeian consumer audience). A substantial raised die break is seen at the central reverse on the body of the finely executed lion.
This is a difficult medal to interpret. It is clearly not of English manufacture, a fact agreed upon by all authorities (cinched by the obverse, which refers to King George as not only King George, but King George of England). Its die work is Continental and most resembles work done in this era in Germany. The reverse shows a struggling lion, bound in rope, and seemingly
trying to free himself, with a legend that translates to “cannot be trained to submit” (according to Betts) or “never taught to submit” (according to Brown). The exergue gives a date of 1781 with the inscription “in perpetual memory” in Latin. Brown's suggestion that this may be a reference to the League of Armed Neutrality is a good one, a pro-English sentiment that though England has had some bounds placed upon it by the League, it is overcoming them. The implication could also be anti-English, that England is receiving its just desserts after years of bullying sea-bound commerce.
This example is the only one John Ford ever had the chance to buy, a testimony to its rarity. Ford lacked this Betts number until he bought this specimen in the 2001 LaRiviere sale for $9,500 hammer. When it resold just five years later, it hammered at $32,500. Only one has been offered since to our knowledge, a copper specimen from the John W. Adams Collection sold in 2015. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Almanzar’s sale of June 1973, lot 4640; our (Bowers and Merena’) sale of the Lucien LaRiv- iere Collection, May 21, 2001, lot 1087; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 245.
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THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Stunning Silver Daniel Morgan at Cowpens Medal Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, ca. 1840
10033
1781 (ca. 1840) Daniel Morgan at Cowpens Medal. Barre Dies. Betts-593, Julian MI-7. Silver. SP-64 (PCGS). 56.4 mm. 1219.4 grains. Plain edge. 4.6 - 5.0 mm thick. A magnificent specimen and an unheralded rarity in the U.S. Mint series. For as much attention is given to Dupre’s superb design, Morgan's extraordinarily military feat, and the fascinating story of the production of the exacting reproduction dies by the French master Barre, the rarity of the silver strikes from this die has been underestimated. While bronzes continue to excite collectors, they are fairly available. Examples in silver are very rare, and pieces that look like this are all but unknown. The fields are deeply mirrored, their reflective basins contrasting boldly with the extraordinarily sharp devices. The obverse is beautifully toned, mostly silver gray with subtle overtones of gold, blue, and blushes of rose. The reverse is spectacular, with a rainbow of champagne gold, pastel blue, and rich violet from rims to center. This toning was almost certainly imbued by one of the period red-leather U.S. Mint boxes used for special medals. Dupre’s unforgettable battle scene looks more impressive than ever in these multicolored hues, and the overall aesthetic impact of this
medal is second to none. A single mark is noted above the flags on the reverse.
Aside from being positively beautiful, a silver example from these dies is a spectacular rarity. This hammered at $7,000 in Ford, one lot after an original bronze Morgan at Cowpens hammered at $12,000. The last two bronze originals brought $78,000 and $55,200, but not a single silver example akin to this has sold since this piece’s last appearance in 2006. Rather than being dismissed as a U.S. Mint copy, the Barre copy dies of this medal were produced in Paris on behalf of the U.S. Mint by a special Act of Congress that authorized the replacement of the lost gold original, last owned by Morgan's son-in-law, Morgan Neville.
For collectors of Comitia Americana rarities or U.S. Mint medals, a silver Morgan at Cowpens ranks as one of the most desirable potential acquisitions. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Wayte Raymond estate; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 211.
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Rare and Unusual Oval William Washington at Cowpens
10034
1781 (ca. 1790) William Washington at Cowpens Roundel. Betts-594, Julian MI-8. Copper, oval. Choice About Uncirculated. 39.9 x 43.5 mm. 403.7 grains. 2.0 - 2.2 mm thick. Chocolate brown, substantially smooth and glossy, heavily scraped and filed on the now-blank reverse. As Michael Hodder wistfully noted in Ford 14, “this was once an original, scraped and filed to produce this oval uniface piece with no legends. The removal of the exergual legend COMITIA AMERICANA is especially deftly done, leaving no trace of lettering, just very subtle filing and polish. This must have been done long enough ago that the color is now even and naturally dark. The existence of other similar pieces (Ford also included a Washington Before Boston reverse rather like this one) suggests that something of a set may have been worked like this, but the edge also tells some of the story: it shows silvery remnants of solder or a similar material, suggesting that these oval productions may have once been mounted into something. Whatever that object was - a tray? a trophy? - it must have been truly impressive. We wonder what happened to the rest of these. A set may have been similar to the cased set George Ewing acquired in Paris for Thomas Jefferson in 1823; it included a Washington Before Boston, a William Washington at Cowpens, a John Eager Howard at Cowpens, and a Benjamin Franklin Natus Boston medal, those being the American medals then available at the Paris Mint.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Ted Craige estate, October
4, 1982; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006,
lot 217.
10035
1781 (ca. 1790) William Washington at Cowpens Medal. Betts-594, Julian MI-8. Copper. MS-64 (PCGS). 46.1 mm. 671.1 grains. 3.7 - 3.9 mm thick. Plain concave edge. Rich lustrous chocolate brown with exceptional visual appeal. The rims have been gently filed, as issued and as accomplished at the time of striking, to reduce a raised fin (or wire edge). No significant post-striking defects are seen, and the details on both sides are exemplary. Fairly early die state, the spalling pit above C of COMITIA a bit more advanced than Adams state 2, collaring mark or witness line visible at 1:00 on edge.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Maison Florange on May 31,
1967; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot
216.
10036
1781 Admiral Rodney medal. Betts-unlisted, Milford-Haven
386, BHM-233. Pinchbeck (Brass). AU-58 (PCGS). 33.3 mm.
207.5 grains. A handsome medal commemorating the naval feats of
Admiral Rodney, who was lauded on a medal celebrating his capture
of St. Eustatius that was cataloged as Betts-579. Brassy brown and rose
with some spots and a bit of handling. Pretty nice for one of these. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from A.H. Baldwin & Sons, Ltd. on June 16, 1967; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 429.
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Page 17
10037
1785 Compagnie des Indes Jeton. Betts-unlisted, Lecompte-10. Silver. AU-58 (PCGS). 35.8 mm. 299.6 grains. Plain edge. Beautifully mottled subtle pastel toning on both sides, a bit richer on the reverse than obverse, otherwise frosty and lustrous silver gray. Scattered light marks are present but the visual appeal is very positive. A very pretty octagonal medal that was just a couple years too late to have been listed by Betts.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Warren Baker on May 2,
1977; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot
302.
THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
10038
1792 Lyon National Convention medal. Metal de Cloche. MS- 62 (PCGS). 39.1 mm. 648.2 grains. Glossy dark olive, near ebony in areas, with high points and underlying fields toned a pleasing tan. Exceptionally choice for this issue, with fields whose inherent granularity is tight enough to offer a smooth, hard field. A few trivial obverse fissures are seen, behind the head and extending from the chin, but these are both natural and minor. Crisply struck, ideally centered on a high quality planchet, and unsurpassably attractive, this is a top echelon example of this popular issue, whose Dupre-inspired design has created a place for it in American cabinets. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
MEDALS PORTRAYING BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
(photo reduced)
10039
1777 B. Franklin Américain Portrait Plaque by Nini. Greenslet GM-15, Margolis-17, Betts-548. Terracotta. Nearly Mint State. 113.4 mm. A lovely example of the most popular Franklin portrait issued during his lifetime, molded in France by Jean-Baptiste Nini and popular with Franklin’s fans in Europe and the United States during and after the American Revolution. The color is excellent, the devices sharp, and the rims totally intact. A small spot of what appears to be graphite is left of the floret before AMERICAIN and a nearly invisible hairline crack descends through the top of Franklin's
head but does not cross the wide rim to the edge. On the blank back, a pencil inscription reading “WH. Pall / (illegible) 1854” is barely visible at center. A chip at the rim and edge near 8:00 is not visible from the obverse. The hole at top edge and top back are as made and ready to be used for suspension today. A very desirable medallion, as handsome and desirable now as it was at the end of the American Revolution.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Stack’s) Americana sale
of January 2009, lot 5658.
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
10040
1819 Benjamin Franklin Series Numismatica Medal. Greenslet GM-43. Silver SP-63 (PCGS). 41.1 mm. Plain edge. A Franklin medal of the highest rarity. There are several varieties of the Franklin Series Numismatica medals, all essentially uncollectible in silver. This one spells Franklin’s first name BENJAMINUS, shows the signature of GODEL F. high under the bust truncation, and shows the name DURAND mostly effaced from beneath the portrait relief at Franklin’s shoulder. There are actually two (at least) different obverse dies by Godel with the BENJAMINUS spelling; see our August 2013 Ford sale, lot 21272, for another, cataloged as Greenslet GM-45 on the basis of its slightly variant reverse but it’s reasonable to assume that
10041
1856 Franklin Institute Award Medal. Julian AM-17, Harkness Pa- 45, Greenslet GM-91. Silver. SP-63 (PCGS). 51.1 mm. Plain edge. With original book-style velvet lined leather case and slipcase, as issued. Awarded to G. Heath and I.S. Parsons, Springfield, Delaware County (PA) for model tools, 1856. A stunning piece with full luster, reflective surfaces, and the sort of elegant deep gray and navy blue toning, highlighted with pale blue, gold, and rose, that can only be imbued by generations in the original case of issue. This is unusual for its quality, but also for the company’s location, a populous Philadelphia suburb. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
obverse may exist with the GM-43 reverse as well. The other obverse shows a slightly different portrait (notable for its differently rendered neck wattle) and GODEL EF is at 6:00 instead of closer to 5:00. This example is lovely, with superb old cabinet toning with blue and violet highlights, mostly deep gray but lighter and more reflective on the reverse than the obverse. The eye appeal is superb, and no significant flaws are seen. A rare and attractive medal, one we haven't handled in this composition since we sold this exact piece 13 years ago.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Stack’s) Americana sale
of January 2008, lot 7165.
10042
1858 Franklin Institute Award Medal. Julian AM-17, Harkness Pa-45, Greenslet GM-91. Silver. SP-62 (PCGS). 51.1 mm. Plain edge. Awarded to Andrews & Dixon of Philadelphia for parlor grates. Nicely reflective and deeply toned, with navy blue and gray surfaces highlighted with rose, blue, and gold. Trivial hairlines are seen, but this is well preserved and beautiful. Far nicer than usually encountered, a superb example. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
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THE E* PLURIBUS*e UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
WEDGWOOD AND OTHER PORTRAIT MEDALLIONS
10043
George Washington Wedgwood Portrait with Eccleston Medal mark above. Flawless and unchipped. A likely early 20th century Bust. Blue and White Jasperware. As New or Nearly So. 75.1 mm. production with excellent aesthetic appeal.
Marked WEDGWOOD with signature-style cursive Washington From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
10044
A Pair of George Washington Wedgwood Portraits Blue and white and G. WASHINGTON, with a Geoffrey Hutchinson sticker at top jasperware, oval, 87.6 x 63.6 mm. Marked WEDGWOOD facing one of back. As new or nearly so. An excellent pair of fine collectible direction and WASHINGTON on aslight arc facing the other. As new portraits. (Total: 2 pieces)
or nearly so. ~ Yellow jasperware, 72.2 mm. Marked WEDGWOOD From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
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10045
James Monroe Indian Peace Medal Copy in Blue Jasperware. piece. Not marked as Wedgwood but of similar style. Probably 20th Porcelain. As Made or Nearly So. 65.3 mm. The back is black but for century. Quite attractive and an interesting piece.
the as-made markings “MB” and “54; along with a button-style loop From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
or shank made from the same porcelain material as the rest of the
John Paul Jones Comitia Americana Medal Copy in Blue Dupre. Natural flaw on rim above PAVLO, as made. Handsome and Jasperware. Porcelain. As Made or Nearly So. 53.6 mm. collectible. Probably 20th century.
Unmarked, thus unlikely to be Wedgwood, but similar in style. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
A nice reproduction of the Betts-568 John Paul Jones medal by
10046
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THE Et PLURIBUS*S UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
THE E PLuRIBUS UNUM COLLECTION OF MEDALS AWARDED TO FIRST PEOPLES
At the time of first contact, it is estimated that as many as 300-500 different languages were spoken in North America, representing a similar number of indigenous cultural groups that inhabited the area we now define as the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. Each of them was a nation unto its own, by our own definitions of the word, with cultural traditions that sometimes paralleled each other to a degree, but often contrasted starkly. There were language groups that were similar, yet individually different enough to be distinct, not unlike the Romance languages of Europe, a continent with an estimated 40-70 different recognized languages at the same time. There were relatively sedentary people who built permanent structures, and nomadic people who moved as seasons and bison herds dictated. There were groups thought to be prone to warlike behavior, and others considered more welcoming and cooperative. As with any other group of humans, wherever boundaries are drawn and by whom, there was vast diversity in anything that could be culturally affected. Kinship groups, religion, divisions of labor, clothing and adornment, hair styles, relationships with the animal kingdom and natural world, and value of trade relationships all included incredible diversity. And yet, for much of the historical record that includes contact between those of European descent and these incredibly diverse indigenous people, the latter have been referred to collectively as the “Indians” in polite society, or perhaps “savages” in cruder circles—the latter mostly during the late 18th and 19th centuries, the time period directly tied to the medals offered below.
The assignment of these simplistic terms to sucha vast swath of humanity foreshadowed the course of the relationship between these two groups. Entire dissertations have likely explored this topic, and this is not the venue for such a discussion, but the silver Peace medals are perhaps the most durable artifacts of the record of contact and intercourse between these two groups. Trade objects such as silver or beads, or perhaps the occasional rifle with an indigenous provenance, must be included for their similarly tangible natures, but the Peace medals speak directly to matters of diplomacy, cooperation and interaction in an official capacity, at least superficially. They mark specific historical occasions, often signings of treaties which amounted to the formal written record of how the demographics and power structures of a continent shifted across the span of a couple of centuries.
It is tempting to add period written studies, prints or photography to this story. Certainly, the work of McKenney and Hall was an important effort to capture a record of the indigenous people of the United States, but the original oil paintings commissioned for that work were nearly all lost to fire in the Smithsonian, while many of the three-volume printed sets have been disassembled to allow for sale of the
individual lithographs, or otherwise lost. Notably, Thomas McKenney was a government employee, serving under the aegis of the War Department. Edward Curtis is another significant documentarian of the Native Americans, using his camera to capture extraordinary, indeed, unparalleled imagery of these diverse people. His still images brilliantly captured not only faces and scenes, but humanity. While these were extremely important efforts that created invaluable records of certain indigenous groups, in some ways they are little more than snapshots taken so that all would not be lost, arguably documenting aesthetics more than anything else.
In contrast, the Peace medals were directly part of this unfolding history. They were presented as diplomatic gifts from one leader to another. They were very personal and they were prized. They were displayed upon the chests of their owners, sometimes passed down through families, and sometimes interred in the most sacred of moments. In some ways, they were essential to the course of North American history due to how they were perceived by recipients, and what the earlier medals meant in terms of allegiances during the periods of the American Revolution and War of 1812.
The Peace medals as a class represent varying issuing authorities from the royal houses of Europe to any of 23 American Presidential administrations. They also represent a large number of indigenous groups and their chiefs. In some cases, these medals are considered important cultural artifacts to this day. They represent agreements between recognized leaders and diverse human sociopolitical groups. They also represent, in many cases, pluralities of intent and understanding. However, on an individual basis, each of these represents a singular moment within a broad spectrum of human interaction and each is thus one of many. As such, the E Pluribus Unum name, which translates from the Latin to “Of Many, One,” seems appropriate for this particular series of medals.
The Collection
The translation of E Pluribus Unum also relates directly to this collection. Though the offerings have been sometimes separated by long periods of years or even decades, there has been a long tradition of great collections of Peace medals, and this is certainly among them. Captain Andrew Zabriskie perhaps led the way in this tradition. His collection, sold by Henry Chapman in 1909, had 12 of the United States series and was called at the time, “the finest collection ever offered at auction.” Fewer than a dozen great collections of Peace medals have been formed and sold at auction since that time, and the majority of those holdings included fewer than 20 United States medals in silver. The greatest of all was that formed by John J. Ford, Jr., whose collection was largely completed by way of direct purchases of the F.C.C. Boyd and Wayte Raymond
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
collections. As such, it effectively represented generations of collecting. Our sales of his Peace medals between 2004 and 2007 included nearly 120 Peace medals issued by the United States in silver. The second largest offering was the 1933 Senter Sale, with 40 medals. Our recent sale of the Larry Ness Collection with 36 in silver was the third largest and The E Pluribus Unum Collection, with 31 in silver in this sale, ranks as the fourth largest presentation ever of silver Peace medals of the US. series.
The E Pluribus Unum Collection is not complete, and it does not have the bronzes, but what it does have is quality— exceptional quality, nearly throughout the offering. Thanks to the fortuitous time period in which this group was being formed, and guided by the eyes of a connoisseur, the pieces selected for this collection were largely pulled from two very historic landmark sales. The first opportunity was the March 1981 Garrett Sale, the first major offering of Peace medals since the Great Depression. That holding, built under circumstances where no amount of money could ever stand in the way of a particularly fine acquisition (even back into the last quarter of the 19th century), ended up revealing specimens of unusually nice quality. Some of those medals were probably bought so close to the original time of issuance that the Garretts were likely the first collectors to own them. The Ford Collection of this series was sold in two auctions dedicated solely to Peace medals, the first such presentations. These auctions seem to have been carefully mined by the E Pluribus Unum collector,
with exceptional preservation always being the guiding light.
Rounding out the offering and filling in an essential part of the American first peoples story is a lovely representative group of British and Canadian medals, the former comprising the issues that largely set the stage for the need of the young United States to have similar medals. The British issuance of medals was widespread, and speaks to an aggressive and long- term campaign of alliance-building. Naturally, this would be an advantage as conflict in the colonies unfolded. The newly formed United States government soon understood that they would need such diplomatic medals of their own, issued both in competition with the British and as useful markers of cooperation and friendship during their own westward expansion. Again, quality was the focus for the collector who assembled these pieces, and the result is a most impressive and focused collection of superior medals from this fascinating and immensely historic series.
Cataloging Note
While we have abandoned the “Indian Peace Medal” terminology for this introduction, we have maintained it in the listings that follow. This is in consideration of the modern era of digital presentation and what is required for effective search capabilities. These medals have long been referred to as “Indian Peace Medals” in numismatic literature, and a break from this relative consistency would undoubtedly cause some collectors to miss these important offerings altogether.
BRITISH INDIAN PEACE MEDALS
Choice Royal Medal of Charles II
10047
Undated (circa 1683?) Charles II Royal Presentation Medal. Silver. Eimer-267, Medallic Illustrations 595/277, Morin-8. MS-62 (NGC). 53.4 mm. 1006.9 grains. Small collar mark on the edge near 11:00. Strong prooflike reflectivity on the obverse while the reverse fields are a bit more subdued and more deeply toned, virtually to slate gray. The obverse is medium gray with soft blue and rose iridescence in the fields. Sharp and beautifully preserved with just a few light abrasions mostly on the higher points of the reliefs. It is
not clear if this medal type was ever presented to North American indigenous peoples, but it has long been collected in association with such medals for the unquestionable stylistic similarity between this design and those of the large-size George III medals. An immensely attractive medal in either case. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from A.H. Baldwin & Sons, Ltd., June 1969 (possibly ex O’Byrne Collection); John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 6.
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THE Ev: PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
10048
Undated (circa 1683?) Charles II Royal Presentation Medal. mark. Satiny pearl gray silver with attractive rose, blue, violet and
Silver. Eimer-267, Medallic Illustrations 595/277, Morin-8. MS-62 olive highlights. Some faint old scratches and small nicks are noted
(NGC). 53.3 mm. 1072.8 grains. Collar mark on the edge at 11:30, from a bit of handling. but appearing as more of a small break than the usual thick joint From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
10049
Undated (circa 1683?) Charles II Royal Presentation Medal. Bronze. Eimer-267, Medallic Illustrations 595/277, Morin-8. MS- 62 BN (NGC). 53.8 mm. 826.9 grains. No obvious collar mark, but a
small edge irregularity is noted at 12:00. Glossy chocolate brown with
traces of soft blue iridescence. Struck on a thinner flan than seen on
the silver pieces above. Quite a bit scarcer in bronze than in silver. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
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Lovely George I/II Trade Medal
10050
Undated (ca. 1714-60) George I/II Indian Trade medal. Brass. Jamieson-2, Quarcoopome II-C. Very Fine. 40.2 mm. 378.0 grains. Unusually nice surfaces for one of these rare medals. Glossy chocolate brown with traces of warm golden brass on some of the high points, particularly at the rims. Close inspection reveals minor porosity and a few scattered marks, the most prominent being a good identifier just below the front of the King’s neck. The original integral suspension loop is lost, and what were probably undesirable rough remnants were smoothed from the edge. Still, this does not have the appearance of a ground find, which is a welcomed comment on the generally nice condition of the medal. Excellent clarity remains through all the major details.
This is the most commonplace type of these brass medals created for the semi-official Indian Trade. Made and distributed by private enterprise through a network of traders who had the tacit support
of the government in British North America, medals of this sort appear archaeologically in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. The largest single deposit seems to have been the ca. 1900 Natrona Find (see the Bowers and Merena 1987 Frederick Taylor sale for more), discovered on the banks of the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh. The preponderance of individual finds in the literature come from western Pennsylvania and western New York. These would have been carried, in some quantity, by fur traders in these areas, alongside of iron tools, beads, and more, to incentivize trade in pelts with the local natives. These are not treaty medals, but rather served as something akin to a frontier currency in the dominant economic sector of the American interior during the mid 18th century.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the EC.C. Boyd Estate; John
J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October
2006, lot 29; our (Stack’s) sale of January 2009, lot 5072.
Sharp George I/II Medal with Hanger
10051
Undated (ca. 1714-60) George I/II Indian Trade medal. Copper or brass. Jamieson-2, Quarcoopome II-D. Very Fine, but rough. 39.5 mm (without the hanger). 245.6 grains. Original integral suspension loop still intact, an important detail on an issue that not only frequently comes rough but is usually without this feature. This is clearly a ground find as evidenced by its thoroughly oxidized and rough surfaces, but the underlying detail is actually quite excellent, better than the assigned grade suggests. Aside from the surface quality,
there is really no damage to speak of, as this piece was probably lost not long after its presentation. Anyone seeking the type could do far worse than an example this sharp, with the original hanger.
Another, as above, but with its original hanger. Perhaps 20% or fewer of survivors retain their original hangers, making this a premium piece despite its surfaces. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Stack’s) sale of January 2009, Lot 5073.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com Page 25
THE E*¥ PLURIBUSs UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Extremely Rare George II Trade Medal Unpublished Variant
10052
Undated (circa 1727-1760) George II Indian Trade medal. Brass. Jamieson-Unlisted; Quarcoopome-Unlisted. Extremely Fine. 37.5 mm. 234.3 grains. Original integral suspension loop intact. Handsome olive brown surfaces with generous outlines of warm golden brass around the obverse motif and close to the rims. Some minor irregularities are seen along the rims. A couple of minor spots and some faint old scratches are noted in the obverse field, but the surfaces are glossy and quite attractive otherwise. Beautifully struck with excellent detail and outstanding eye appeal.
This medal is unique in our experience. It clearly belongs among the brass Indian Trade medal genre, by size, design, composition, and texture; its obverse and reverse devices are just too similar to the known varieties for this medal to have served some other function. It is distinctive from the more common varieties in a few major ways. The bust (which faces left, rather than right) is signed IR at the shoulder truncation. The obverse legend is Latin, rather than English. The reverse, while anepigraphic like the most common types, is a bit more elegantly executed. Just as the obverse bust faces a different direction, the positions of the hunter and deer are switched on either side of the tree (which looks more like a magnolia and less like a stylized palm).
Speculating on the where and why of this medal isn’t terribly useful, but we can state the following with some certainty. Its cast integral hanger is delicate enough (though fully intact on this specimen) that this would not have been a very successful ornamental item. Thus, if this was produced as a commercial venture to sell to traders active in the fur trade, it would have been a less successful product than the sturdier medals of the more common type. This medal was made by a medallist with enough experience to cut high style dies and sign them. And, finally and perhaps most importantly, the non-coincidental choice of metallic composition and design means either all of the more common medals were inspired by this piece, or this piece was inspired by them. The latter seems more likely. It seems clear to us that this was produced as a competitive product to the more common sort of brass Indian Trade medalets but was less successful in achieving market share for one reason or other. It is both rare and important.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from A.H. Baldwin & Sons,
Ltd., July 14, 1969; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr.
Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 38.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Attractive Treaty of Easton Restrike White Metal
10053
“1757” Treaty of Easton or Quaker Indian Peace Medal. Restrike. White Metal. Julian IP-49, Betts-401, Jamieson Fig. 8. MS-63 (NGC). 43.4 mm. 397.9 grains. Lustrous light pewter gray surfaces with just a trace of mellowing in the open field areas and the remnant of a small spot at the right central reverse. Pleasing soft luster and minimal handling aside from a couple of thin and faint scratches on both sides. Excellent sharpness and overall eye appeal.
A scarce and important issue, likely struck about 1810 at the US. Mint. In 1813, Joseph Richardson sent “impressions...from dies that have long been in possession of my predecessor and myself” to fellow Philadelphian Thomas Wister. The few known white metal specimens of this metal struck from this early (essentially perfect) state of the
10054
“1757” Treaty of Easton or Quaker Indian Peace Medal. Restrike. White Metal. Julian IP-49, Betts-401, Jamieson Fig. 8. Uncirculated Details-Cleaning (NGC). 43.1 mm. 415.1 grains. Light hairlines from an old cleaning and a couple of edge nicks are noted, but none of the imperfections is serious enough to impact the overall eye appeal much. Quite sharp in detail, with medium pewter gray surfaces. A popular issue, likely struck at the U.S. Mint in the first decade or so of the 19th century. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
dies are similar in character and composition to early die state white metal Kittanning medals and the white metal Gates at Saratoga medals, which are known to have been struck at the U.S. Mint circa 1801 by Adam Eckfeldt. Joseph Richardson the Younger, the writer of the letter cited above and the son of the man who struck both this medal and the Kittanning medal in 1756-57, then served as Assayer of the U.S. Mint. Two of these white metal strikes were present in the Ford Collection, including this, and another was offered in our 2001 sale of the Lucien LaRiviere Collection.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Virgil M. Brand; Horace
Louis Philip Brand; New Netherlands Coin Company; John J. Ford, Jr; our
(Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 43.
10055
“1757” (Circa 1882) Treaty of Easton or Quaker Indian Peace Medal. Restrike. Copper. Julian IP-49. About MS-64 BN (NGC). 44.4 mm. 608.1 grains. Lightly mottled olive and mahogany brown surfaces retain traces of prooflike character. Some light surface deposits are noted in places. Struck from replacement dies cut around 1882, after the original dies had catastrophically collapsed and split, a die state that was still used to strike some interesting variants of this medal prior to this issue. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
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THE Et: PLURIBUS*¢ UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Handsome First Size George III Medal With Original Hanger Ex Virgil Brand
10056
Undated (circa 1776-1814) George III Indian Peace Medal. Struck Solid Silver. Large Size. Adams 7.1. Extremely Fine. 79.1 mm. 1871.0 grains. Original ornamental suspension loop intact. A stunningly attractive example of this popular type that seems to have been among the most widely distributed by the British in the period. Handsome pearl gray surfaces exhibit soft champagne and pale blue accents on both sides. Extremely sharp with just a trace of wear on the high points, but clearly an issued and worn specimen as indicated by a reverse rim bump and many fine scratches and marks that come into view under magnification. Close study also reveals some very faint reverse
porosity suggesting that this piece was also likely lost and exposed to the elements for a very short time. The overall visual appeal is exceptional and must rank it among the most attractive we have seen. Struck at least three times to bring up the detail fully. Of the 86 first-size George III medals of this general type that John Adams included in his modern census, 24 pieces were of this type, and 11 of those were struck shells rather than solid. This seems to be specimen number 65 in his census.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Virgil M. Brand via
Erna B. Zeddies, March 1969; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John
J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 59.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Another Exceptional First Size George III
10057
Undated (circa 1776-1814) George III Indian Peace Medal. Struck Solid Silver. Large Size. Adams 7.2. Choice Extremely Fine. 78.2 mm. 1463.2 grains. Original suspension loop intact, though flattened a bit. Deeply toned surfaces are largely dark gray, but with generous pale blue overtones seen on both sides. Another beautiful medal of unusually nice quality, with nuances of prooflike character still visible in the fields. However, this piece still exhibits plenty of the small marks and thin scratches that attest to it having served its intended purpose as a displayed marker of Native allegiance to the King. Most of the marks are difficult to see without close study, other than a couple of very small rim nicks. Very sharp and very attractive. Of the 86 first-size George III medals listed in John Adams’ census, this is the rarest of the three major die varieties with just 15 entries
(there were 24 of Adams 7.1 and 32 of Adams 7.3, though the 7.1 medals were divided into the struck and shell construction sub-variants, so each of those is just a little rarer than this). Still, for the estimated output of the large George III medals, these are rather rare. In this quality, they are very rare indeed. It is not completely clear which medal this is in the Adams census, but as it was his medal and he had it in his possession as of 1970, it would seem that it must be among those listed. It is probably #55, as the only other Eastern Collection example of 7.2 was from a “perfect die” while this example has the dramatic obverse break in the left field, crossing over the king’s shoulder.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Sotheby’s Canada,
May 1970, lot 214; John W. Adams; our (Stack’s) sale of January 2009,
lot 5039.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 29
THE Ee PLURIBUS*® UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
A Final Outstanding Undated George III Medal of the Large Size
10058
Undated (circa 1776-1814) George III Indian Peace Medal. Struck Solid Silver. Large Size. Adams 7.3. Choice Extremely Fine. 76.4 mm. 1586.8 grains. Another exceptionally attractive first-size George III medal, with the original ornamental suspension loop intact and unbent, though it seems that the piercing stressed the edge of the medal and caused a short split in the flan, mentioned only for technical accuracy. Very beautiful surfaces retain traces of prooflike character but are deeply toned. Dark gray silver is dominant but soft blue and blue-green mottling accents both sides. A bit soft on the highest points of relief, but beautifully preserved otherwise. Some scattered faint nicks and scratches are seen, along with a few trivial rim nicks.
Overall, this is about as attractive an example as is likely to be found. This is probably the reason that it found its way into the presently offered collection, as quality seems to have been a leading guide point throughout. John Adams’ census of first- size George III medals included 86 pieces, 32 of which were this variety. This was proposed to be #77 when we last offered it, in our 2006 Ford sale, but there are clearly other viable possibilities based on the fairly basic information provided in the census. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Fred Baldwin, August 1969; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 68.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Rare Second Size Undated George III Medal
10059
Undated (1776-1814) George III Indian Peace Medal. Struck Solid Silver. Middle Size. Adams 8.1. Choice Extremely Fine. 60.6 mm. 894.2 grains. Original ornamented hanger firmly affixed. Lovely medium to light silver gray with traces of soft blue and gold iridescence. Unusually choice surfaces overall with faint hairlines and just a few tiny marks and fine scratches that only come into view upon close inspection. Very well made with bold definition throughout. Off the market since our 2006 Ford sale, this remains among the most attractive examples of this size we recall having handled. Struck from the first reverse, which seems to have failed early as all seen exhibit a prominent break from the lion to the unicorn, through the lower half of the central shield. This size is much scarcer than the larger one.
John Adams found only 16 examples for his modern census of middle-size pieces compared with 86 for those of the largest size. However, one of the middle size is described as in white metal rather than silver, so the total of silver medals in his survey was 15. One had no reverse variety specified, but the remaining 14 were evenly divided between first and second reverse pieces. Including the appearance of this in the Ford sale, we have only three sales records in our online archives for a second-size from the cracked reverse.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the EC.C. Boyd estate;
John J. Ford, Jr; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part
XVI, October 2006, lot 54.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 31
THE Ec PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Very Choice 1814 George III Medal The First Size
10060
1814 George III Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Large Size. Adams 12.1. Choice Extremely Fine. 75.2 mm. 1882.5 grains. The original suspension hanger is tightly affixed. Lovely deep blue and soft green iridescence is seen through many of the protected recesses, attractively accenting the largely deep gray silver. Extremely sharp and beautifully preserved. One small edge bump underneath George’s truncation, but otherwise the only impairments are the scattered tiny nicks and marks consistent with a presented and worn medal. John Adams identified 40 examples of the 1814-dated medals of this size in
his census, but 18 of those were in institutional collections, and among those remaining, three were described as either clichés or splashers. Though undoubtedly some extant pieces were not counted, it seems that relatively few are in private hands. This is the largest size of what are sometimes referred to as the War of 1812 medals, which served as critical markers of British allegiance in that conflict.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Heritage, September
2009, lot 1362.
Page 32
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Small-Size 1814 George III Medal Comfortably the Rarest Size
10061
1814 George III Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Small Size. Adams 14.2. Extremely Fine. 37.7 mm. 529.4 grains. Original suspension hanger intact. Deep gray with mottled overtones of olive brown and steel blue across both sides. Slightly more heavily toned outlines are noted around the devices and in the intricate recesses. Somewhat glossy in appearance with the fields gently reflective. Generally quite sharp and nicely preserved, though the finer details on this issue seem to be blunted a bit, as made. This was struck using a signed obverse die, with Wyon’s bold imprint just below George's truncation, and the laurel leaves pointing directly at the TI of GRATIA. This corresponds to Adams’ description of 14.2, but his plates are reversed so that his image is labeled as 14.1. Adding some confusion, his description for 14.1 notes that the die is unsigned, but the medal imaged is signed. It seems that there are three variants:
1. Laurel leaves point to TI of GRATIA. Signed. (Adams 14.1 plate, 14.2 description)
2. Laurel leaves point to AB of GRATIA BRIT. Signed (Adams 14.2 plate, 14.1 description, but signed)
3. Laurel leaves point to TI of GRATIA. Unsigned. (Ford XVI:77)
It is worth noting that the Adams 14.2 plate piece also has a differently styled bust, with far more developed curls around and below the back of the truncation. This seems to be the rarest variant, as it does not appear in our online archives at all and is known to us only by this Adams plate.
Adams found only nine examples of the small-size 1814 medal for his census, but his #4 is described as a bronze electrotype, and his #8 is called a trial piece in lead. That leaves just seven pieces, with two or three of these in institutional collections. Our archives include just three distinct medals in silver, including this.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from A.H. Baldwin & Sons,
Ltd., July 1971; John J. Ford, Jr; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr.
Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 78.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 33
THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Rare 1794 “Simcoe” Medal Among the Finest Seen
10062
1794 George III “Simcoe” Medal. Silver. Jamieson Fig. 19. About Uncirculated. 32.1 mm. 189.2 grains. Edge lettered MAY HE EVER REIGN IN THE HEARTS OF HIS PEOPLE. Lovely light pearl gray with soft champagne and pale blue accents mottled through the prooflike fields. A little soft on the high points which seems partially due to the strike and partially to light wear, but the overall condition is quite excellent. Only a few light marks are noted, this easily being the second finest example we have seen in more than a decade, if ever.
The “Simcoe” medal is named for Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe of Upper Canada, who ordered 200 silver medals for distribution among Britain’s Native American allies in April 1794. Simcoe, the founder of Toronto (1752-1806), specified the Arms of Upper Canada for the reverse of his medals, but there is no known example with such a design. Leonard Forrer in his Biographical Dictionary of Medalists notes a “portrait jeton of George III dated 1794” by an artist named Miller, but provides no other identification of the engraver. In his Supplement (Vol. VIII:59), Forrer notes that
Lerroux’s Medallier du Canada included this type “as an Indian chiefs’ medal” without further discussion.
Most present-day researchers believe that this design was given out by Governor Simcoe, although its small size would have been troubling to Native American recipients. John W. Adams cites a letter that supports this conclusion. Written in what is now Michigan, in July 1794, the letter from an Indian agent noted “Captain Doyle desires his compliments to you and requests of you to send twelve medals and twelve flags to this place, the small medals you sent before the Indians would not accept of them.” While some other authorities disagree on the origin and intent of these medals Adams, after examining all evidence, concluded, “All in all, the ‘Simcoe’ medal has a respectable North American tradition”
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Glendining’s sale of March
1958, lot 127; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John Jr. Ford, Jr. Collection,
Part XVI, October 2006, lot 75.
Superb Hudson's Bay Company Medal
10063
Undated (circa 1820) George III Hudson’s Bay Company Indian Peace Medal. Copper, Bronzed. Eimer-1120, BHM-1062, Jamieson Fig. 20. MS-67 BN (NGC). 48.0 mm. 869.7 grains. Outstanding dark chocolate bronze surfaces with deeply mirrored fields and sharp satiny devices that create a pleasant contrast. Subtle pale blue mottling is noted in the fields. Aside from a few trivial hairlines in the
fields, there are virtually no signs of handling on this superb medal. Boldly struck and very attractive. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Glendining’ sale of Novem- ber 1971, lot 271; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collec- tion, Part XVIII, May 2007, lot 44.
Page 34 Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
A Second Exceptional Hudson's Bay Medal
10064
Undated (circa 1820) George III Hudson’s Bay Company Indian Peace Medal. Copper, Bronzed. Eimer-1120, BHM-1062, Jamieson Fig. 20. MS-67 BN (NGC). 48.0 mm. 867.4 grains. Exquisite dark chocolate bronze surfaces. Boldly reflective mirrored fields contrast sharply against the sharp satiny devices. Boldly struck and exceptionally well preserved with virtually no signs of handling other
than a few minuscule hairlines scattered about. A second opportunity to acquire an outstanding example of this medal. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Glendining’s sale of March 1972, lot 362 (part); John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Col- lection, Part XVII, May 2007, lot 45.
Outstanding 1840 Victoria Royal Medal
10065
1840 Victoria Royal Medal. Copper, Bronzed. Small Size. BHM- 1976, Jamieson Fig. 31. MS-66 BN (NGC). 37.7 mm. 424.8 grains. An exceptional specimen with uniform deep chocolate bronze surfaces and intense prooflike reflectivity that sharply contrasts with the satiny devices. Boldly struck, so much so that seemingly every effort of the engraver is seen in the intricate patterns of fine die
finishing lines across the devices. Beautifully preserved with just a single superficial spot noted against the unicorn’s tail. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Fred Baldwin, June 1965; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVIII, May 2007, lot 8.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com Page 35
THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
CANADIAN INDIAN PEACE MEDALS
Magnificent 1877 Treaty #7 Medal Very Rare
10066
1877 Victoria Treaty #7 Medal. Silver. Jamieson Fig. 38. Choice Mint State. 76.0 mm. 3162.0 grains. An incredible specimen of this striking medal, and probably one of the very finest known. Boldly prooflike fields create a pleasant contrast against the richly satin devices. The obverse is pleasantly toned with soft rose, blue-green and violet mottling distributed fairly evenly throughout. The small reverse field area exhibits more intense blue, violet and green, while most of the design is largely brilliant and frosty silver. The detail is exceptional, and any handling is minimal, with only a few faint hairlines in the fields that are largely masked by the toning. A single very minor rim bump is noted on the reverse. The high rims are finely finished on both sides with fine radial lines.
There were 11 numbered treaties signed between the government of Canada and First Nations between 1871 and 1921, this being the seventh, concluded on September 22, 1877. There were two signings, the first on September 22nd, and the second on December 4th, allowing further signatories to participate who were not present in September. The goal of the Canadian government was to secure further lands to allow for construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, while the First
Nations signers hoped for a tighter alliance with the Crown, which would have been through the Canadian government, who had jurisdiction over the matters of First Nations peoples. It was hoped that such alliance would offer their people protections as the bison herds became depleted and would further secure their interests against encroachment of traders from the United States and other commercial interests. The original signing was at the Blackfoot Crossing of the Bow River, approximately 62 miles east of Calgary. The five First Nations involved were the Blackfoot, Piegans, Sarcee, Crees and Blood.
Treaty No. 7 medals are quite rare. When this was last cataloged for sale, in 2007, Michael Hodder wrote that just two recent sales were known to him for these medals, one in our Chris Schenkel sale and another in our November 2001 sale. We are aware of no other offerings beyond these and a second example in our Ford XVIII sale. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Michael Kolman, De- cember 1955 (possibly earlier from J.D. Ferguson); John J. Ford, Jr; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVIII, May 2007, lot 24.
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
10067
Undated and unmarked (circa 18th century) Pocket Compass. Very Fine. 44.5 mm; 15.9 mm high, with lid affixed. Brass casing, with glass interior cover and paper labels inside. A charming and functional piece that, as the Ford cataloger wrote, is “the sort of gadget an officer might carry with him into the unmapped American
forests.” It is not hard to look at this and imagine it guiding troop movements, explorers or surveyors a couple of centuries ago. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 99.
AMERICAN INDIAN PEACE MEDALS
Scarce Second Size Jefferson in Bronze From the Second Dies
10068
“1801” (1886) Thomas Jefferson Indian Peace Medal. Bronze. Second Size. Second Dies. Julian IP-3, Prucha-39. SP-64 (PCGS). 74.8 mm. 3393.9 grains. Pleasantly glossy light mahogany bronze with nice prooflike reflectivity in the fields. Nuances of pale blue toning are noted in places. Virtually mark-free surfaces aside from a few superficial spots noted on the obverse. Nearly 10% heavier than the Ness Collection specimen, which was an earlier impression from the original dies. According to Julian, the dies for this medal had been replaced by October 8, 1886. The new reverse, seen here, has a decidedly more modern appearance, similar to the Zachary
Taylor reverse for 1849, most easily distinguished by thicker letters and distinctively flat-topped letter A punches. While the medals from the second dies are more frequently offered than those from the original dies, they can't really be called common. Our online archives only include 15 appearances from these dies, going back more than a decade.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from E.S. Werner, October 1966;
John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVIII,
May 2007, lot 62.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com Page 37
THE E*¥ PLURIBUS*e UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Very Rare Third Size Jefferson in Bronze From the Original Dies
10069
“1801” (circa 1860s?) Thomas Jefferson Indian Peace Medal. Bronze. Third Size. Original Dies. Julian IP-4, Prucha-39. SP- 66 (PCGS). 52.1 mm. 1041.1 grains. Lovely deep mahogany bronze surfaces exhibit natural flecks of deep reddish tan mottling throughout. Some areas have slightly deeper patina, mostly closer to the rims. Traces of soft blue and violet are noted in the fields. Glossy, with a mild prooflike texture in the fields and a fine satin finish on the devices. Beautifully struck and virtually pristine as far as any handling evidence goes. Just a couple of trivial patina spots are seen on the obverse when studied closely. An immensely attractive example struck from the original steel dies used to produced the prized silver shells.
The dies are in slightly later states here, clearly polished up a bit prior to striking this piece. Several areas of soft spalling or rust are noted on the obverse, mostly in the leftmost field and along the rim. A thin rim break is easy to overlook at 3:00. On the reverse, crumbling between the knuckles of the index and second finger is clearly seen, and there are faint die cracks connecting the rightmost arm to the tomahawk handle above. The die state seems similar to the Ness
Collection example, and certainly a bit later than the silver original we sold in August 2013.
It is believed that most of the later bronze collector strikes were of the 76 mm version, with the largest and smallest being far rarer. Indeed, our archives going back over a decade include only three examples of this medal. The single example offered in our May 2007 Ford sale is the present piece. As in our Ness sale, we have dated this issue to the 1860s because our survey of Mint records included in Julian indicates that there seems to have been more demand for Jefferson medals at this time than in other decades for which records are provided. However, references therein to “Jefferson Medals” having been struck in any given year do not clearly indicate the issue struck (i.e. Peace medal or Inaugural medal), so uncertainty seems unavoidable. This could be from an earlier period. Michael Hodder proposed “after the middle 1830s” for it in our Ford XVIII sale but provided no supporting evidence within the description.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Stack’s) sale of the H.P.
McCullough Collection, November 1967, lot 377 (part); John J. Ford, Jr; our
(Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVIII, May 2007, lot 64.
Page 38 Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Rare Silver Madison of the Second Size One of the Nicest Held Privately
10070
1809 James Madison Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-6, Prucha-40. Extremely Fine. 62.8 mm. 1585.2 grains. Neatly pierced for suspension at 12:00, as is consistent with all issued Madison medals of this size. Though the reverse die included a small circular guide for the position of the piercing, it seems that all middle size Madisons were pierced from the front, as the hole is consistently over the second E of PRESIDENT. Soft blue-green and rose toning is nicely blended on both sides, though there are areas of lighter silver remaining. Scattered light marks, scratches and nicks are found over both sides as is typical of an issued and worn medal, but there are no serious marks worthy of specific mention. Traces of chalky residue are noted in some of the finer recesses. Overall, this is among the finer of the few surviving second-size Madison medals in silver.
This obverse die seems to have begun to crumble very early, perhaps during the hardening process, as tiny rim breaks are seen on the medal between the large raised rim and inner border, intermittently around three quarters of the circumference. These breaks are seen to varying degrees (somewhat limited by illustration quality) on all images of silver originals we have seen. Though the reverse rim is of identical design, there are no
such breaks on this die, nor are any other failures evident.
Though the Madison medals are dated 1809, corresponding to the President's first term as noted above, no Madison medals were finished and delivered until 1814. Contemporary reports according to Prucha indicate that 100 were certainly made of this size (in 1815), and perhaps a few more, as there were likely a few in the first delivery of 12 finished medals. Interestingly, the consistency with which the piercing was conducted illustrates two different die rotations among the pierced medals we are aware of, suggesting two different striking operations. This would correspond to the initial delivery and then the 100 of 1815. Nearly all seen have the reverse piercing between the A and C of PEACE.
Carl Carlson recorded 11 auction appearances of the second- size Madison in his study, published in 1986. When the Ford Collection was cataloged it was estimated that fewer than 25 survived. The present writer’s own survey has revealed 17 distinct known specimens with six of these in institutional collections.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Nelson A. Lowe, July
1964; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection,
Part XVI, October 2006, lot 113.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 39
THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Third Size Madison in Silver The Rarest Size
10071
1809 James Madison Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Third Size. Julian IP-7, Prucha-40. Choice Very Fine. 51.2 mm. 889.9 grains. Neatly pierced for suspension as typical and positioned consistently with others seen thanks to a small circular guide in the obverse die. Deep gray toning with a couple of obverse streaks associated with gentle oxidation. A few light rim bumps are noted on both sides and stand out a bit more on this very sharp medal than they might on one with rougher handling. That said, this is clearly an issued and worn medal, with scattered tiny marks, yet the overall appearance is quite nice and really not that much different than the Ness Collection medal that appeared in our November sale last year. In fact, about half of those known are generally similar to these, with the others much more worn.
Unlike the Ness specimen, this has a strong collaring mark on the edge near 12:00, and seems to be a slightly later die state. Minor die flaws are noted in the obverse rim over the E in THE, over the JAM of JAMES, and elsewhere to lesser degree. This reverse was used for all small-size medals from Madison through Polk and is known to us in three die states. For the Madison medal usage, only two states have been observed. This is the later of the two, and the middle state overall. This state is that most frequently seen. A single small die chip is seen outside of the inner rim border just below 3:00. The earlier state is known on only two observed medals and has no chip at 3:00.
As noted above, there is a consistency in the suspension piercings due to the circular guideline set into the obverse die. It was from this side that the holes were drilled at the Mint. Prucha stated that a dozen Madison medals were delivered on December 17, 1814, presumably including a few of each size. He further stated that in January 1815, it was acknowledged that
103 small medals were received. After a delivery of large-sized medals, on June 20th, it was directed that leftover silver be used for further small-size medals. Thus, we have in these accounts three likely striking periods and subsequent deliveries of small medals, and the dies would have been removed from the medal press in between these production cycles, though they spanned little time. In compiling our roster of known specimens, we have gathered images of 12 different issued medals. While the positions of the suspension piercings are consistently placed relative to the obverse, there are three different positions with respect to the reverse. Thus, the observed medals themselves suggest three different striking sessions, corresponding to the accounts provided by Prucha.
This is the rarest of the three Madison sizes. Carl Carlson reported just six auction records in 1986. When Michael Hodder cataloged the lone specimen in the extensive John J. Ford, Jr. holdings in 2006, he was personally aware of four then “recent” auction appearances but made no guess as to the number of medals known. The present writer is aware of 13 specimens, including one believed extant but not personally confirmed, and one at Massachusetts Historical Society that is unpierced and an obvious restrike, albeit from original dies in the middle state, as this piece. Of these 13 medals, six are in institutional collections. Only two different medals appear in our online archives for this type, in three different appearances. This specimen is not in the archives, but was sold by us in October 2006, making three medals in total over the last 15 years. This is a much rarer medal than recent offerings might otherwise suggest.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Lt. John W. Wolfe, Jr.;
John J. Ford, Jr; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part
XVI, October 2006, lot 116.
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Exceptional Silver 1817 James Monroe Peace Medal The Second Size
10072
1817 James Monroe Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-9, Prucha-41. Very Choice Extremely Fine. 62.9 mm. 1487.3 grains. Pierced for suspension, as typical, and in the exact same position relative to the obverse design as on all others seen. A beautifully preserved example retaining generous prooflike reflectivity in the fields, particularly on the reverse where they are more protected by the design elements. Light to medium gray silver is awash with rich rose and blue-green on the obverse while the reverse is even more colorful, with the addition of violet and deep gold. Close inspection reveals numerous scattered small nicks, fine scratches and tiny rim bumps, all markers of a history that included official distribution and Native American wear, though that wear was clearly not harsh and perhaps points to a recipient of advanced age. There is obvious wear and distortion of the suspension hole, however, so we know it was suspended for a time.
Carl Carlson accounted for 18 auction records of silver second- size Monroe medals, without attempting to count individual specimens. In his cataloging of three examples in the extensive John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Michael Hodder noted that he was aware of nearly a dozen individual medals. The present writer's recent survey work has accounted for 14 examples, with only
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one of them remaining unconfirmed by photographic evidence to date. Of these, five are in institutional collections. Though the Ford Collection freed up three examples, this medal is one of just two we have handled in a decade without the Ford provenance. The two that have appeared in the last year are an anomaly and falsely suggest that these medals are more common than they are. This has been off the market since our October 1982 sale of the New York Public Library Collection and just nine are known in private hands.
The original Mint records report that 100 of these were struck, but only 12 had been distributed by the time the Office of Indian Trade (the keeper of the medals) was closed in 1822. It was reported that the 88 remaining medals were transferred to the War Department at that time, and some have taken that to mean those were melted. This is impossible given the number of medals known today. It would be the end of 1825 before the next series of medals was delivered for use in matters of Native American diplomacy, which likely explains how more were saved from the melt. Most likely a few more were distributed slowly, as needed.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and
Ruddy’s) New York Public Library Collection Sale, October 1982, lot 2615.
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Page 41
10073
1825 John Quincy Adams Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-11, Prucha-42. Choice Very Fine. 75.4 mm. 2433.3 grains. Pierced for suspension just above the DE of PRESIDENT, as is precisely the case on all other issued silver examples seen. Mostly medium gray silver with soft blue overtones blending into deeper gray patina closer to the rims. Myriad tiny nicks and other marks are distributed fairly evenly over the surfaces, as typical of an issued and worn medial. However, this piece is free of more serious damage that is also frequently encountered on these large medals. A somewhat thin silver suspension loop remains through the piercing and may be the original, as it is in consistent style to at least five or six others still affixed to large Adams medals. Sharply double struck on the reverse, mostly seen in the letters of the legends where there is a shift of nearly the full width ofa letter.
As discussed in our Ness Collection sale last year, there were 95 large-size John Quincy Adams medals struck and there seems to have been a good deal of demand for them. Lewis Cass, Governor of the Michigan Territory, had personally requested
100 examples for distribution therein. As such, it seems that most of those struck were likely distributed. Carl Carlson identified nine auction records for these medals. Michael Hodder did not venture a guess as to the number of specimens in cataloging four of them in the John Ford sales. The writer's own recent survey of specimens has revealed 22 distinct examples, with eight in institutional collections. This medal has been off the market since NASCA’s Kessler-Spangenberger sale in 1981. It also comes with an old hide suspension cord.
While 22 pieces may seem like a healthy number of survivors, these are actually scarcely offered. This is the third offering of a first-size Adams we have had since 2018, but prior to 2018, it had been 11 years since one appeared in our sales-none since the time of the last Ford Collection offering in May 2007. It seems that collectors fortunate enough to get one of these large medals tend to keep them.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from NASCA’ Kessler-
Spangenberger Sale, April 1981, lot 1600.
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Rare Trial Impression for an Adams Medal Large Size
10074
“1825” (after 1905) John Quincy Adams Indian Peace Medal. Lead. First Size. Julian IP-11, Prucha-42. About Uncirculated. Approximately 93.5 mm. 5019.7 grains. Light satiny gray surfaces with pleasing luster. This seems to be an impression taken from the master die created for the early 20th-century iteration of the John Quincy Adams medal, offered for sale by the United States Mint. It is likely a mint trial, as there would be little reason for anyone else to create something like this, financially speaking, and if taken directly from the master die, it is even more unlikely that anyone outside of the Mint would have had access to the necessary parts. The central device seems an identical match to the portrait on the original Adams medals, but the lettering exhibits some distinctive differences. The easiest difference to see quickly is the position and curvature in the tail of the Q in the president’s name. On the originals, it curls well below the adjacent A, while on the 20th-century Mint medals, it does not. A most interesting artifact, and likely unique.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from New Netherlands Coin Com-
pany, before 1953; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collec-
tion, Part XVIII, May 2007, lot 80.
Very Rare 1825 John Quincy Adams Medal
The Third Size in Silver Perhaps Just Four in Private Hands
10075
1825 John Quincy Adams Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Third Size. Julian IP-13, Prucha-42. About Uncirculated. 51.1 mm. 1099.6 grains. Neatly pierced for suspension. Fairly bright silver surfaces retain significant prooflike character in the fields, while the overall aesthetic is evened out a bit by light polishing. Scattered nicks and marks on both sides, none of which is individually noteworthy. Quite sharp and aesthetically very pleasing.
When Michael Hodder described this piece in Ford Part XVI (lot 124), he proposed it to be a restrike, and described reverse die rust in the field beneath PEACE. This can indeed be detected with very close study, as can other small spots of similar roughness in other places on both sides. A trace ofa die line through the R of FRIENDSHIP is easier to see and matches that on sharper bronze examples we have examined. This reverse die was used for all small-size medals from Madison to Polk, and for some Zachary Taylor medals, as well. It is known in three distinct die states across the entire usage. The Madison medals rightfully exhibit the two earliest states, one with no die chip in the rim at 3:00, and the second state with a single small chip. This medal is the third state, with two chips in this area, and most of the presidential issues exist in this state. Bronze Taylor medals exist from this die with a single die chip, so we know that any medal exhibiting two breaks must date to after the 1849 completion of the Taylor obverse.
A small-size John Quincy Adams from the original dies in silver is very rare. According to Robert Julian, just 48 were originally struck. We are aware of perhaps 10 different examples in silver, and four of these are from the late state reverse seen here. This said, six of the 10 are in institutional collections, so this is a very difficult medal to obtain in silver. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Dr. William Bridge Collection, World Exonumia (Rich Hartzog), September 1991, lot 1055; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 124; our (Stack’s) sale of May 2007, lot 205.
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THE Ee: PLURIBUS¢ UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Handsome Large-Size Jackson in Silver
10076
1829 Andrew Jackson Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-14, Prucha-43. About Uncirculated. 75.5 mm. 2337.3 grains. Pierced for suspension with what is likely the original silver loop. Medium to light silver surfaces with somewhat deeper gray toning closer to the rims and soft nuances of pale blue and rose. Generous prooflike reflectivity remains in the fields. Minor marks include a tiny nick on Jackson’s shoulder and a thin scratch in the left field. Most others need to be looked for on this very sharp and attractive medal.
Very shortly after the inauguration of Andrew Jackson, the person in charge of the Indian Office, Thomas L. McKenney, initiated the process for procuring the Peace medals of the Jackson administration. He could hardly have acted sooner, and yet the entire business was plagued by delays of various sorts, from inaction to illness, that pushed the final date of completion
and delivery well into 1832. According to Prucha and Julian, 87 medals were struck of this size for distribution, and it is likely that most were presented, considering the long backlog and number of promises being actively made to chiefs that medals would be forthcoming. Of those struck, perhaps a quarter still survive. Carl Carlson found only 11 auction records. The John Ford Collection contained a substantial five examples, but no guess was ventured in their auction descriptions as to how many might survive. The present writer’s research has uncovered no more than 19 distinct original specimens, including two that we have not confirmed with photographs. A few more are known to be restrikes. More than half of the originals we have identified, 10 pieces, are in institutional collections. This lovely example has been off the market for forty years.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from NASCA’ Kessler-
Spangenberger sale, April 1981, lot 1603.
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SESSION 1 ¢ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Rare 1829 Medium-Size Jackson Medal One of the Finest in Silver
10077
1829 Andrew Jackson Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-15, Prucha-43. Choice About Uncirculated. 62.4 mm. 1446.0 grains. Pierced for suspension as on all seen, with what is probably the original loop intact. An exceptional specimen of the rarest size among the Jackson medals and easily one of the finest known survivors. Fairly light silver gray with a generally sharp appearance complemented by strong prooflike character in the fields. Well enough preserved to still show some of the original satiny and lustrous texture on the motifs. Soft pastel blue iridescence lingers close to the devices. Not only is this medal among the nicest survivors of this size, it is certainly the finest in private hands and must be the most attractive as well. Only scattered light scuffs and marks are visible though a couple of tiny reverse rim nicks do stand out a bit.
According to Prucha, just 58 second-size Jackson medals were struck. Robert Julian gives the figure as 92, which is greater
than either the large or small versions, but this seems unlikely since this size is the rarest today. This said, it is possible that the mintages given by Julian are correct, but that the numbers actually distributed were different than what was minted and that a large remainder of the medium-sized medals were simply melted. This is unlikely to ever be known, but the rarity of this medal today is what is most significant here. Carl Carlson found only three auction records for silver examples, once again without notes on different specimens. Two appeared in the Ford sales (including this), but no estimate of the number of survivors was given in those sales, just that these are “very rare.” The present writer is aware of 13 specimens, five of which are in institutional collections. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from New Netherland’s 34th Sale, October 1951, lot 486; J. Douglas Ferguson, August 1965 at the Montreal CNA Convention; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 128.
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Page 45
10078
1829 Andrew Jackson Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Third Size. Julian IP-16, Prucha-43. Choice Very Fine. 51.1 mm. 826.7 grains. Pierced for suspension as issued. Fairly uniform pale gray silver with some deeper patina through the protected areas around the legends and close to the rims. Mostly minor marks and smooth wear, though a blunt old scratch is seen in the right obverse field and both sides are lightly hairlined.
On the reverse, a single small die chip is seen outside of the inner rim border just below 3:00, the identifier of the earlier of two die states observed for this issue in silver. This die was used to strike all of the medals of this size bearing dates 1809 through 1845, and a few bronzes with the even later Zachary Taylor obverse.
Carl Carlson found just four auction records for a small- size Jackson in silver (and notably, only three in bronze). The Ford sales would add six more including the currently offered piece, and at least one that was a later restrike in silver. While this suggests that the medals might be common, it seems more likely that fortune simply landed an unusual number of the few survivors in a single collector’s hands. The present writer has identified 17 specimens believed to be original strikes, though images have not been seen for one of them. Four of these are in institutional collections.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from EC.C. Boyd; John J.
Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVIII,
May 2007, lot 95.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Superb 1837 Martin Van Buren Medal The First Size in Silver
10079
1837 Martin Van Buren Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-17, Prucha-44. About Uncirculated. 75.4 mm. 2271.4 grains. Pierced for suspension as typical. Very attractive light gray surfaces with rings of soft golden brown toning against the rims, that on the obverse are a bit heavier and blend into the fields somewhat. Attractive light prooflike texture remains in the fields, accentuating the design features and giving the medal an unusually sharp appearance. Still a bit satiny on the high points as well. Though this is a sharp one, there is still evidence that it was presented in the form of light handling marks and hairlines distributed across both sides. None of these really stands out as distracting, however. Large-size Van Buren medals can come very nice, and they can come extremely worn. This is certainly among the former and very pleasing all around.
The production of the Van Buren medals was a much more efficient affair than for earlier issues, and work commenced in 1837, with the first order being complete and delivered in that year. The supply of large medals had been exhausted anda second order was requested, with the final shipment sent in January
1839. In total 106 large-size Van Buren medals were struck, and we know that at least the first order of 56 was completely distributed. We know of no records that any were returned, so we assume that 106 was the final tally of those distributed. With a single exception, the piercings are very consistently placed relative to the obverse on the medals we have seen, but there are two distinct positions of the holes among these relative to the reverse, suggesting two separate striking sessions with slightly different die rotations. The reverse piercing position is either just to the upper right of the A of PEACE or about mid-way between the A and C.
We have accounted for 15 distinct genuine specimens, with the likelihood of another that we have not seen. Carl Carlson had identified 10 auction appearances for a silver large-size Van Buren. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from James E. Cope (Or- ange, Texas), December 1979; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 132.
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THE Et: PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Rare 1837 Van Buren Medal in Silver The Second Size
10080
1837 Martin Van Buren Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-18, Prucha-44. Choice Very Fine. 62.4 mm. 1361.8 grains. Uniform deep steely gray with subtle deposits seen in some of the finer recesses. Gentle traces of pale blue and some deeper gold overtones are noted when held at a certain angle to the light. Quite sharp but clearly a piece that was officially presented and worn for a time. Numerous tiny marks and scratches are seen under magnification and a small area of shallow porosity is seen on the reverse beneath the suspension hole. Notwithstanding, suggestions of prooflike character are still detected in the reverse fields.
Close examination of the reverse reveals areas of spalling on the raised rim just left of the leftmost arm’s cuff and below the FR of FRIENDSHIP. Some medals also show spalling on the rim above the tomahawk. ‘That is not visible here, but is simply worn off, as it is subtly visible on the second-size Jackson medal in this sale. All examined Van Buren medals of this size show
some degree of this spalling, but it seems to be on all the Tyler medals, so it was during this usage that the failures seem to have advanced most significantly.
Though 112 of the second-size Van Buren medals are believed to have been struck, the largest mintage of the three sizes by just three pieces, this size has proven to be of virtually the same rarity as the smaller size, with just 13 specimens found of each. However, two of the second-size pieces are questionable as authentic silver originals. Carl Carlson found 12 auction appearances of this size in silver, yet the Ford Collection remarkably yielded only a single example. When Ford’s was cataloged, Michael Hodder commented that he knew of only four specimens. Four of those known to us are in institutional collections which leaves very few for collectors. This has been off the market for 35 years.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Mer-
ena’) sale of the David W. Dreyfuss Collection, April 1986, lot 5141.
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Rare Small-Size Silver Van Buren Medal
10081
1837 Martin Van Buren Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Third Size. Julian IP-19. Prucha-44. Choice Extremely Fine. 50.9 mm. 795.8 grains. Pierced for suspension as usual, with what is likely the original loop still intact. The writer knows of just two with a loops still affixed, and this is the only example held privately. A delightfully sharp medal with bold details throughout, suggestive that it was not worn for long. However, it clearly is a presented medal, and the typical scattered surface marks and minor rim nicks attest to that. A somewhat dark but fairly uniform gray patina with superficial natural deposits clinging to the fields in the protected areas. Though no longer prooflike as it undoubtedly was at the time of presentation, this piece is worn so little that the fine wire rims are still visible.
Struck from the early state of the reverse die with a small die chip outside of inner rim border just below 3:00. This die was used to strike all of the medals of this size bearing dates 1809 through 1845 and would eventually develop a secondary break
beneath that just described. All pieces from this die exhibiting two breaks at 3:00 were struck after 1849. This, however, is clearly an original.
Carl Carlson recorded only five auction records for this size, the smallest number of appearances for the three sizes in silver. John Ford owned three small-size Van Burens in silver, compared to two of the medium size and four of the largest size. The Ford appearances correspond closely to what the writer has found in his survey of surviving specimens. Thirteen specimens have been accounted for, one of which is suspected but not confirmed by an image. Four of these are in institutional collections at the ANS, Colonial Williamsburg, Massachusetts Historical Society and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the EC.C. Boyd Es-
tate; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection,
Part XVI, October 2006, lot 135.
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COLLECTION PART 3
First Size 1841 John Tyler Medal One of the Rarest Silver Issues Unique in Private Hands
10082
1841 John Tyler Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. First Reverse. Julian IP-21, Prucha-45. Very Fine. 75.2 mm. 2506.1 grains. Pierced at 12:00 for suspension, as typical, and positioned exactly as seen on each of the few confirmed genuine specimens. Fairly uniform deep gray patina over both sides with just a few areas of slightly lighter or darker tone. Well handled, but mostly with just smooth, even wear. Only close study under magnification will reveal the extent of fine abrasions and marks distributed over both sides.
All John Tyler medals in silver are elusive, but the first size is the rarest, and most collectors will only have the chance to own a bronze. We have confirmed three distinct specimens, and suspect a fourth, though we have yet to verify it with with photographic evidence. Whether three or four are known means little, as this is the only example in private hands. The Chris Schenkel specimen, last sold in 1990, was gifted to the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian, while the superb Andrew Zabriskie-W.W.C. Wilson medal is at the ANS.
It is believed that 60 large-size medals were produced, but a significant percentage of all silver Tylers were returned to the mint, undistributed, and melted. The original estimate was for 60 large, and 200 of the smaller sizes, probably combined, as the current known populations of the second and third size medals are each just a little larger than what we see for the first-size ones.
The Inscription to John Tecumseh Jones
This piece is hand-engraved in the obverse fields as follows, TECUMSEH-JONES / CHIEF at left, 1866 at the top, and
OTTAWA KANS. / INDIAN TRIBE at the right. The engraving seems to have been laid down after the medal was worn.
The inscription is to John Tecumseh Jones, also known as Tauy Jones, a shortened version of “Ottawa Jones,” as he came to be known locally. He was a prominent figure in Ottawa, Kansas, and had a significant hand in the city’s foundation. Jones was born in Canada sometime between 1800 and 1809 (accounts vary, though his grave marker states 1800). Accounts also differ on his background. One identified him as Chippewa, educated in the state of Michigan at a Baptist mission, and later at Madison University, in New Jersey. Another account gives his primary education at Hamilton, New York, and then later at the Choctaw Academy in Kentucky. One intriguing account states that he was employed by the government to aid relocated Native peoples in their settlement of what would become Kansas. He is said to have moved to the area that would become Kansas Territory in the late 1830s, where he joined up with another prominent Baptist missionary, Rev. Jotham Meeker (who is credited with having brought Kansas its first printing press). Jones lived amongst the Ottawa and is said to have been formally recognized as Ottawa. He built a sizable home in the area, a promising location for future development, situated between the established locations of Forts Leavenworth and Scott. It is unclear what work allowed him the wealth he seems to have had, but the mention of him being “hired by the government” might explain his apparent comfort, and this medal.
Jones was a supporter of Kansas as a Free Territory and corresponded with the famous John Brown, encouraging his
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
abolitionist cause. One account, from the 1890s, describes their relationship as “very intimate” suggesting that their friendship and cooperation on abolitionist matters was likely well known locally. Their associations attracted undesirable attentions from Missouri, and a mob_ reportedly seeking the capture of Brown burned the Jones house in 1856. Successful and undeterred, he built a second house, also reported burned, and in 1862 a third, which stands today.
The Ottawas signed a treaty with the Lincoln administration, dated June 24, 1862, that provided for American citizenship of all Ottawas and formal disbanding of the tribe, five years after ratification. In exchange, land grants were specified for the individual families and the community as a whole. Part of this agreement set aside land specifically for the establishment of a local school, and further land for a Baptist church. It also allowed for white settlers to purchase available lands in the area at a_ specified minimum price, with the clearly stated purpose of insuring “as far as possible, the settlement of their [the Ottawa's] reservation by industrious whites, whose example shall be of benefit to the tribe at large.” John Tecumseh Jones was the translator for the treaty proceedings and a signatory as a tribal Councilman. He was a respected agent from both sides.
This Treaty set the Ottawa on a course for integration into the United States in a manner recognizable to white settlers. In the July 3, 1866, edition of the Western Home Journal of Ottawa, Kansas, a long article appeared that praised the town of Ottawa and recognized its then recent founding and the Christian principles that governed it. It discussed that, as of 1864, there was no town of Ottawa, and that by the time of publishing, it was a community that had grown to 1,200 residents. The foundation of the school specified in the Treaty was also mentioned, stating that many residents were “inspired by a laudable desire to provide for the education of their children” and that they had granted “twenty thousand acres of their lands to a Board of Trustees, four of whom are Indians, and all of whom are Baptists, the proceeds of which are to be used sacredly in the accomplishment of this object” It continues to read that “the plan admits and contemplates the founding of a university for the education of all classes of persons in every department of learning.” Special mention was also made of “great credit” being due to John T. Jones, “an Indian chief and Baptist preacher,’ and two others for their work toward the success of the community.
Ottawa University places its founding in 1865, and the same is true of the town of Ottawa, though its formal incorporation was in 1866. Clearly, enough white settlement had occurred by this time to warrant such formal organization, and the 1866 newspaper account referenced above speaks to that. John T. Jones, being a signatory and translator for the Treaty proceedings, as well as an influential local Baptist preacher, is
John Tecumseh Jones. (Image Courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society)
credited to this day as a founder of the University, a fact engraved upon his tombstone in the Ottawa Indian Mission Burying Ground. As the founding of the university and town are inextricably linked through the Treaty of 1862, he was also central to the town’s formation.
It is clear that Jones was an early and influential inhabitant of what would become the town of Ottawa, but the details relating to the engraving and presentation of this Tyler medal remain uncertain. If Jones was indeed hired by the United States government to ease the transition and establishment of relocated Native Americans, it would have been useful to confer upon him some immediate status recognizable among the local people. As this would likely have been in the 1840s, it stands to reason that this Tyler medal might in fact have been given to him directly as part of his arrangements with the government. However, we have seen only a single account mentioning such an association. This said, there is reason to believe that Tyler medals might not have been only distributed at major treaty signings. Prucha includes two contemporary quotes relating to Tyler medals that suggest this. T. Hartley Crawford, the commissioner of Indian affairs, complained in 1842 “that this office has waited with some anxiety for a supply of medals, for occasional distribution...” and later in the year, Crawford wrote again that “occasions constantly occur in which the medals are required.” It may not be possible to illustrate with certainty that Jones received a Tyler medal for perceived helpful deeds, but it is an intriguing possibility. If it was already his medal, the inscription could be a personal marker of achievement added at his request. If he was not the original recipient in the 1840s, then this piece was probably a private gift, presented to him to mark the formal incorporation of Ottawa, in 1866. As a related aside, most likely, he would have formally received a Lincoln Peace medal for the Treaty of 1862 signing.
While the backstory of the medal is uncertain, the inscription was cut into the obverse less than 25 years after it was struck, so it was probably not too far removed from its original owner, whoever that may have been. While we have been able to piece together some valuable context for this important rarity, there is still much to be discovered!
Perhaps most relevant to this offering is the rarity of the medal in general. As noted above, the first-size John Tyler in silver is among the rarest issues of the entire United States Peace medal series. This example is unique in private hands. For completion of the series, it is an essential acquisition. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Charles P. Senter Collection, Anderson Galleries (Wayte Raymond), October 1933, lot 67; Charles H. Fisher, March 1936, lot 763; .C.C. Boyd; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 136.
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THE Et PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Outstanding 1841 John Tyler in Silver The Second Size
10083
1841 John Tyler Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-22, Prucha-45. Choice About Uncirculated. 62.3 mm. 1540.8 grains. Pierced for suspension at 12:00 as typical, with what is almost certainly the original, mint-applied loop. This is an exceptional medal in every respect. The prooflike surfaces are mostly pleasant light gray with darker gray outlines around the devices and close to the rims, accentuating the design features. Turning the medal in the light, gentle pastel mottling comes into view. In March 2021, we sold another superb specimen, the former Garrett Collection medal, which we noted as “arguably the finest known.” That might well be true, but this is very close if not equivalent in terms of quality, and undeniably superior in terms of aesthetic appeal. A few light marks and hairlines, but not a single apology is required. Even portions of the thin wire rims remain.
The medals for John Tyler mark a change in the production methods for the Peace medal dies. Instead of hiring die- sinkers to engrave the dies directly, the Mint elected to use its new portrait lathe to cut the dies from a prepared model. This saved both time and expense. Between December 1842 and January 1843, the entire order of John Tyler medals in silver was delivered. This is reported to have been 60 in large-size and 200 in total of the medium and small sizes, combined. It remains unknown how many of the medals were actually distributed but,
according to Prucha, more than 40% of the original mintage, by weight, was returned to the Mint and melted for use in making the James Polk medals. From the writer’s survey of specimens, it seems that the medals may have been distributed in roughly equal numbers as those located today of the are roughly the same in number for each size. Of this size, seven distinct medals have been accounted for, with three of them in the collections of the ANS, the Gilcrease Museum and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis.
As in other instances, the highly unusual frequency of offerings of this issue over the last year is highly deceptive as to long- term availability. While this is the third appearance in 2021, it is worthy of mention that none appeared at auction between the 1925 W.W.C. Wilson sale and the March 1981 Garrett sale. Similarly, another long span of years passed between 1988 and 2006 offerings. History suggests that once this is secured in its next collection, offerings will once again go dormant for a long time as this is the last of the four in private hands to trade across the last year. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the W.W.C. Wilson- Collection, Wayte Raymond, November 1925, lot 963; EC.C. Boyd Estate; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 137.
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Extremely Rare Third Size 1841 John Tyler in Silver The Finest Held Privately
10084
1841 John Tyler Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Third Size. Julian IP-23, Prucha-45. About Uncirculated. 50.9 mm. 932.2 grains. Pierced for suspension at 12:00 as usual, with what is likely the original mint-affixed loop present, though it has separated and is bent out of round. Virtually identical to the second-size medal offered above in terms of overall aesthetic, though traces of prooflike character are only strong close to the devices and in other protected areas. Largely light silver gray with soft blue- green, rose and gold accents in the deeper patina outlining the motifs. Very sharp, with traces of the fine wire rim still seen, but this is clearly an issued and worn medal as evidenced by scattered light marks and hairlines often noted on Peace medals.
A single small die chip is seen outside of inner rim border just below 3:00, this being the marker for the middle state of this die, but the earlier of two seen when paired with this obverse.
In Carl Carlson’s survey of auction appearances he found just three offerings of a small-size Tyler, the same number he found for the largest size. When Michael Hodder wrote the Ford sales, he commented that he was aware of only two prior auction appearances (not including the two medals in Ford). One was the Ness Collection specimen that had appeared in Stack’s
January 2003 sale, and the other was the unplated one in the Senter Collection, which he thought was the ANS medal. In fact, those two are different. Edward D. Adams, who died two years prior to the Senter sale, gifted the ANS medal. This is probably the Senter medal, as Wayte Raymond was the buyer in Senter and this medal has a direct provenance to his estate.
The present writer’s own work has located just five original silver examples, and two of these are in institutional collections. This medal is comfortably the finest known of the three held privately. Five additional medals are restrikes of some sort, struck from the late-state reverse die that could not have produced them prior to 1850. As mentioned above, it is believed that 100 small- size Tylers were struck (half of the 200 specified for the medium and small sizes, combined), and that a significant portion remained unawarded and were returned for melting. All silver Tyler medals are significant rarities. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Charles P. Senter (likely); American Art Association, Anderson Galleries (Wayte Raymond), October 1933, lot 69, which was purchased by Raymond; Wayte Raymond Estate; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 138.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 53
————
I COLLECTION PART 3
Exceptional Second Size Polk in Silver Ex W.W.C. Wilson and Virgil M. Brand Very Rare and Choice
10085
1845 James K. Polk Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-25, Prucha-46. Choice About Uncirculated. 62.5 mm. 1407.2 grains. Pierced for suspension as usual, with what is likely the original silver loop still attached. Gently mottled deep steely gray over most of both sides, giving this piece a particularly uniform appearance. Extremely sharp and retaining much of the original prooflike character in the fields while the high relief devices exhibit just a trace of wear on the high points. Wire rims are still seen on both sides. Mild scattered marks in the fields and a couple of trivial rim bumps are noted. This is certainly one of the two finest examples held privately, with the other Ford XVI specimen being the only other contender.
As with the John Tyler medals, the original silver Polk medals are rare in all sizes. It is believed that just 100 examples were struck in this size. Many did not get distributed, however. Mint records show that 83 of them were returned to the Mint in December 1849 to be melted and turned into Zachary Taylor medals for the incoming administration. This would have left a maximum of 17 medals issued.
Carl Carlson’s research on auction appearances turned up only two for a medium-sized Polk. John Ford had a remarkable three specimens in his collection, including this example, and they all had old provenances to Wayte Raymond, EC.C. Boyd and Virgil Brand. Michael Hodder gave no indication as to his thoughts on the number known, but called into question the Mint record of just 17 issued based on the Ford holdings. However, it appears to us that a large portion of those extant simply ended up in one place through Ford’s consolidation of old collections and that the Mint records are probably just fine. The writer's study of known specimens found nine examples, with another reported in an institutional collection that we have not been able to verify. Of the nine certain pieces, only five are still in private hands. This piece carries with it one of those fine old provenances mentioned above, to W.W.C Wilson and Virgil Brand. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from W.W.C. Wilson, Way- te Raymond, November 1925, lot 964; Virgil Brand; Michael Brand Zed- dies, February 1960; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 141.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Extremely Rare Small-Size Polk in Silver One of Six Originals Issued
10086
1845 James K. Polk Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Third Size. Julian IP-26, Prucha-46. About Uncirculated. 51.0 mm. 935.2 grains. Pierced for suspension at 12:00, as typical. Mottled medium gray surfaces with traces of gold, pale blue and rose iridescence in the glittering prooflike fields. Sharply struck in very high relief as all Polk issues, making them among the more impressive medals in the series. The rims are full and feel decidedly squared to the touch. Slight stress in the suspension piercing in concert with the many fine marks and scratches in fields leaves little doubt that this was an issued and worn medal, though apparently such use was short-lived.
This is a very important highlight of the E Pluribus Unum Collection of Indian Peace medals. While this would be noteworthy for its condition alone, it is another among the greatest rarities of the series in silver. As is the case with the other Polk sizes, the striking and issuance of this smallest size followed closely the pattern of the Tyler medals. There were 100 struck in this size, but the vast majority of the original mintage was returned to the Mint in December 1849 and presumably melted (per official instructions), to be used for striking Zachary Taylor medals. The Mint records indicate that 94 of the 100 were melted, leaving just six specimens issued. This is one of the rarest silver medals in the entire series, the net issuance almost certainly the smallest of all.
This said, the present writer’s survey of specimens has revealed seven silver Polk medals of this size. As noted earlier in the sale, the reverse die for the third size medals was used on all issued medals from the 1809-dated Madison through those for Polk. The die developed a failure early, and just two Madison medals
are known in the perfect state. A single chip formed in the rim at 3:00. Sometime after December of 1849, the die was used to strike some small number of Zachary Taylor bronzes, still in the single-chip state. Later, a second chip formed in the rim, below the first, so we know that any medal of any president in this size with two chips in the rim was struck in 1850, or later.
Of the seven identified by the writer in silver, only four examples are early state originals, including this one. Remarkably, two- thirds of the original mintage of Polk medals in this size still survive. Only three are in private hands, however, and we have sold two of them, one in 2005, and this in 2006. None have appeared in our sales since that time. On the other hand, we have presented a single example from the late-state reverse four times since 2008, and that piece has exceeded $50,000 on two occasions. Though it has sold for less since, such a healthy figure demonstrates the degree of difficulty collectors have had in acquiring a silver example of this size. This piece is a far more important medal as one of the six originals, and particularly so considering the superb condition.
Carl Carlson reported finding a remarkable five auction records for small-size Polk medals in silver, while Michael Hodder knew of only two “recent auction records for an original” when he described this one, the lone Ford specimen, in 2006. Undoubtedly Carlson's findings included appearances of the then-unidentified restrikes. This exceptional specimen has been off the market for 15 years.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the EC.C. Boyd
Estate;John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection,
Part XVI, October 2006, lot 142.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 55
THE Ee: PLURIBUS*e UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Very Rare 1849 Zachary Taylor Medal in Silver
The Garrett Specimen
10087
1849 Zachary Taylor Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-27. Prucha-47. Choice Extremely Fine. 75.4 mm. 2271.8 grains. Pierced for suspension as typical. A superb medal with a nice, old provenance and clearly used as intended but not severely so. Boldly struck with little wear, but myriad fine nicks and marks as expected of a Native-worn medal. Nuances of the original prooflike texture remain in the fields close to the devices. The obverse is richly toned, in deep mottled green, blue, rose and gray. The reverse is lighter in tone, with mostly light silver accented by faint rose and golden brown. This is classic old cabinet toning, probably formed in the Garrett cabinets at Evergreen House in Baltimore. No serious marks, though a small brown spot on the reverse might be the remnant of an old test mark.
With this issue comes the first replacement of the original reverse dies cut for the 1809-dated James Madison medals. It was decided in 1846 that the reverse dies then long in use were no longer in fine enough condition to guarantee a good outcome from any large-scale striking operation. Approval was granted for the reverses of all three sizes to be replaced, and both hubs and dies were made. The director of the Mint reported on December 5, 1846, that the new dies were complete. All the original silver Zachary Taylor medals we have seen were struck using the new reverse die, which differed only slightly from the previous one in the thickness and position of the lettering and also the shape of the letter As, which were pointed on the earlier die and now flat-topped.
Michael Hodder commented in Ford XVIII that “Large Taylors are not all that terribly rare,” but that is not terribly accurate. Mint records indicate that 149 of them were struck, but few were distributed before the president died in office. Mint records also show that 112 of them were returned to be melted in preparation for the striking of the Millard Fillmore medals. That left just 37 large-size medals issued, a fairly small starting point. Carl Carlson found only four auction records for large- size Taylor medals, and there have been a few appearances since his work was published in 1986. Two examples appeared in the Ford sales. The present writer’s survey of medals found just eight original specimens in silver.
Five more in silver, from copy dies, have undoubtedly crept into the records of past auction appearances. These can be found in the collections of the ANS, the Gilcrease Museum, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at St. Louis and in the Crane Collection at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, while the fifth was in a 1983 Kurt Kreuger sale. These can be identified by their crosslet 4 and a period after the date, and they are seen with two different reverses. The example we have a weight for is also much heavier than the originals for which we have that data, and the piercings are inconsistently placed. Of the eight originals we are aware of, two are in institutional collections, so there are very few collectable ones. This specimen offers quality as well as a famous provenance.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Charles Steigerwalt,
March 1883, lot 537 @$35; T. Harrison Garrett; our (Bowers and Ruddy’s)
sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1981, lot 1924.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Extremely Rare 1849 Taylor Medal Third Size in Silver
10088
1849 Zachary Taylor Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Third Size. Julian IP-29, Prucha-47. Very Choice Very Fine. 51.0 mm. 997.2 grains. Pierced for suspension as typical. Mostly deep steel gray patina with soft blue and gold overtones. Some subtle spotting in the obverse patina, mostly toward the left and top, around the portrait. Hairlines and abrasions through the fields and some natural deposits in the recesses.
This is one of a virtual matched set that appeared in Ford XVI. The other, lot 145 in that sale, appeared in our March 2021 sale and the nature of both of these was discussed in detail, as reproduced here:
“It was determined in 1846 that the long-utilized Peace and Friendship reverse die was no longer of sufficient quality to produce more medals, and new reverse dies for all three sizes were prepared for the issued Zachary Taylor medals struck in late 1849 and early 1850. However, this medal was struck using the original pre-1846 die, now in the later of two [actually three] observed die states. It is easy to spot, with two die chips inside the right reverse rim. It is one of a series of such later products
that includes medals featuring most of the presidents beginning with John Quincy Adams and ending with this issue. Based on close study of silver and bronze medals of Taylor struck from the two different reverses, the writer believes that these “First Reverse” Taylor medals were struck after those struck using the new dies intended for the original issued medals.”
Whatever the true story of these late-state medals, they generally do show evidence of having been worn, yet it is unclear if those wear patterns are applied or natural. It often much less aggressive, being more worn than nicked, when compared with the wear seen on certainly issued medals. As for the Taylor medals in general, all small-size issues in silver are very rare. Your cataloger has documented six silver Taylor medals of this size, divided equally between the two die states. Only two originals are known in private hands, so completion of a set would likely require one of these for most collectors.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the EC.C. Boyd Es-
tate; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection,
Part XVI, October 2006, lot 144.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
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THE E¥ PLURIBUS*S UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Pleasing First Size 1850 Fillmore in Silver
10089
1850 Millard Fillmore Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-30, Prucha-48. Very Fine. 75.7 mm. 2155.2 grains. Pierced for suspension at 12:00 as typical. Fairly uniform medium silver gray with just slightly darker patina in some of the recesses. Many small nicks and marks consistent with an issued medal, as this clearly is. A very handsome and wholesome example with but a few light surface deposits noted on the obverse.
The Fillmore medals mark a notable departure from the long tradition of the United States Peace medals in the new reverse design adopted for this issue. While the “Peace and Friendship” theme and the clasped hands motif suggested a degree of equality and mutual respect (at least in the art itself), the design adopted here was more clear as to the true perspectives and intents of the awarding entity. Here, a Euro-American at left addresses a Native American at right, each in their own traditional attire. The man on the left points upward toward three connected rings, each encircling one of the words, LABOR, VIRTUE, HONOR. While it is easy for the presenter to suggest this is intended as helpful or encouraging in some manner, it likewise blatantly clarifies that the presenter deemed the “savage” way of life to be devoid of these qualities, quite incorrectly so. It was during the Fillmore administration that the 1851 Indian Appropriations Act was signed, providing funds for the establishment of Reservations for native peoples. While this was promoted as a way to protect native people from encroaching settlements, it really was a large-scale effort to effectively corral native people into clearly defined, controllable areas. As referenced elsewhere in this sale, the 1862 Treaty with the Ottawa specified that the Ottawas desired white settlement (a questionable assertion) and allowed for white settlers to purchase lands, essentially sanctioning their encroachment into the reservation. That treaty went so far as to specify that five years after ratification, the Ottawa would become citizens of the United States, and their tribal identity would no longer be recognized. Those who remained loyal to
tribal identity sold out and in 1867 were relocated a second time to Oklahoma.
The Fillmore medals were issued in two sizes, and the bullion used for their production was from the substantial number of unused Zachary Taylor medals that were returned to the Mint after Taylor’s death. According to Prucha, it was expressed that the 162 remaining second-size Taylor medals were to be used for second-size Fillmore medals, and the remaining bullion was to be used for large-size Fillmore medals. Mint records indicate a total mintage of 281 medals for Fillmore, and if the 162 medium- size plan was adhered to, that would leave 119 large size medals. Our estimations of the bullion left from the Taylor medals (minus five “small medals” remaining at the end of the Fillmore administration) and that required for the above mintages is very close, within 2%. According to Prucha, there were 25 large-size medals left at the end of the Fillmore administration. If these were indeed Fillmore medals, that would make the net mintage of this size 94 pieces. A similar situation exists for the medium- sized medals, with 40 remaining unused, resulting in a net of 122 issued mediums. There were also five “small medals” which are assumed to be Taylors. While this all lines up fairly well, we have found more large Fillmore medals extant than medium ones, which would be a bit unusual if these mintages and net issuance figures are accurate.
Carl Carlson found eight auction records for large-size Fillmore medals and specified that this represented five different specimens. He found 12 records for the medium size and specified “7 or fewer.” The present writer has identified 25 different large medals, with one having a rather suspicious appearance. No aspect of the appearance of this medal raises any questions, however, as it is essentially ideal.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Parke-BernetGaller-
ies, November 1966, lot 12; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J.
Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVIII, May 2007, lot 131.
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SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Lovely 1850 Millard Fillmore in Silver The Second Size Ex W.W.C. Wilson and Garrett
10090
1850 Millard Fillmore Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-31, Prucha-48. About Uncirculated. 63.3 mm. 1728.1 grains. Pierced for suspension at 12:00 as typical. A visually stunning example with extremely sharp detail that is most impressive. Strongly prooflike in the obverse fields which are colorfully accented by rich blue and golden iridescence. The reverse is more subtle, both in its prooflike character and its color, though soft rose and blue are noted. Clearly this is old cabinet toning, largely matching that seen on the first size Zachary Taylor medal in this sale, also formerly in the Garrett Collection. An unfortunate series of short but deep scratches is noted in the left reverse field, but the surfaces are otherwise free of any serious distractions. A few minor marks and faint hairlines are seen under close inspection, but this also reveals the beautifully expressed intricacies of the design, particularly on the reverse. This is simply a lovely medal overall, and certainly among the finest survivors.
While the mintage figures are unspecified for the Fillmore medals by size, it is reported that 281 were struck for both sizes combined. The number of middle-size medals was to be
162, as the 162 leftover middle-size medals from the Taylor administration were specified to be melted and restruck into Fillmore medals of the same size. At the end of the Fillmore presidency, 40 medals of this size were still on hand and returned to the Mint for use in striking the Pierce medals. This would have left 122 medium Fillmore medals issued, a larger number than for the first size medals. However, it is notable that the Ford Collection contained just two examples, while there were six large-size Fillmore medals. Carl Carlson had noted “7 or fewer” specimens among the 12 auction records he located. In the writer’s own survey of surviving specimens, the middle- size medals also turned out to be the scarcer of the two. Just 16 examples have been located, with an unseen example among them technically unconfirmed. Five of these are in institutional collections. This has a fine provenance back to W.W.C. Wilson and Garrett and is being offered here for the first time in 40 years.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from W.W.C. Wilson, Way-
te Raymond’ sale of November 1925:966; our (Bowers and Ruddy’) sale
of the Garrett Collection, Part IV, March 1981, lot 1925.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 59
COLLECTION PART 3
Superb First Size Franklin Pierce in Silver Likely the Finest Known Ex Andrew Zabriskie, 1909
10091
1853 Franklin Pierce Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-32, Prucha-49. Very Choice About Uncirculated. 75.9 mm. 2356.6 grains. Neatly pierced for suspension at 12:00 as typical. A stunningly attractive specimen that is probably the finest known survivor, and without any doubt the most visually attractive known to the writer. Soft pearl gray silver dominates both sides, while deeper toning outlines the devices, legends and rims. Gentle pastel accents of blue-green, rose, violet and gold may be seen in some areas of the prooflike fields, but also in some of the recesses of both sides. Virtually Mint State, with just a trace of light rub on the highest points and light marks on both sides. Boldly double struck on the obverse.
All the medals for the Pierce administration were completed and delivered before the end of 1853. There were 120 large- size medals delivered and most of them seem to have been distributed, as just 23 were returned to the Mint for melting at the close of the Pierce administration. The net issue in this size was therefore 97 medals. Carl Carlson recorded 10 auction records for a large-size Pierce, noting “8 or fewer specimens.”
To this, the Ford Collection would add five new specimens. The present writer has located 14 distinct specimens, with two more institutionally owned pieces reported but as yet unconfirmed by photographic evidence.
Four other special pieces are also known. One is a uniface obverse impression that turned up in New Hampshire and was sold in our August 2012 sale. The Crane Collection in Denver includes one purported to be silver, struck from a different obverse die with a differently styled date. We have seen two other appearances with this date variant, which is certainly a restrike or forgery of some type, as the date style is similar to that seen on the modern U.S. Mint copies. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Captain Andrew Zabriskie Collection, Henry Chapman, June 1909, lot 187; W.H. Hunter, S.H. Chapman, December 1920, lot 110; Virgil M. Brand; [The Charles Deetz specimen, Stacks, November 1946:1853, is assigned the Hunter:110 provenance as well, but is unplated and probably inaccurate]; Michael Brand Zeddies, February 1960; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 150.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Impressive 1857 James Buchanan Peace Medal Large Size in Silver
10092
1857 James Buchanan Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-34, Prucha-50. Extremely Fine. 75.4 mm. 2733.2 grains. Pierced for suspension as typical, with a bent loop of the original style. Actually a bit sharper than the grade might suggest, but we have taken into account a rim bump at the left reverse. Mostly light gray silver with soft golden brown and blue accents in many of the finer recesses that serve to nicely accentuate the design features. A few small rim nicks and other marks as well as hairlines on both sides, but the surfaces are still nice enough to show much of their original, satiny luster. In terms of overall sharpness and eye appeal, this is probably the finest first-size Buchanan medal we have handled, and it might well be the finest extant.
With the Buchanan medals came another change of the reverse design, though the general theme is not much different from that seen on the reverse used for the Fillmore and Pierce administrations. Here, a large central medallion features a Native American family having adopted Euro-American ways in homesteading, a man plowing his field while his children play baseball in the distance. This is the first known reference to the game in numismatics, but it was quite new at the time, and
it seems rather remarkable that it would find its way into the medallic arts in this particular context. Around the medallion is a depiction of the Native American lifeways as being utterly “savage, with men ina scalping scene at the top, implements of war at lower left and right (that on the right being superimposed over a peace pipe), and a lamenting woman's portrait at the bottom, implying that only sorrow is achieved through traditional ways.
Though efforts to create the Buchanan medals began in spring 1857, the medals were not delivered until April 1858. This was partly due to the unexpected passing of Joseph Willson, who had designed the new reverse. According to Prucha, 69 large- size medals were struck, and “there is no indication that any of them were melted down to make other medals,” which would be a fairly sizable net issue. Still, Carl Carlson found just three auction records for a large Buchanan in silver, and the Ford Collection contained only two examples. The writer’s own survey has accounted for 16 distinct specimens, five of which are in institutional collections.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Wayte Raymond
Estate; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection,
Part XVI, October 2006, lot 154.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 61
THE Ev: PLURIBUS* UNUM COLLECTION PART 3
Rarely Offered Second Size Buchanan Medal Struck in Silver
10093
1857 James Buchanan Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-35, Prucha-50. Very Fine. 62.6 mm. 1528.5 grains. Pierced for suspension as typical, but now lacking the loop that was sold with it in the October 2006 Ford sale. Gently mottled gray surfaces are more deeply toned in the recesses where some minor natural deposits remain on the surface. Lighter gray on the reliefs allows for nice visual appeal. The surfaces are evenly worn and thoroughly nicked, but there are no serious marks to distract the eye. A few faint scratches can be seen at the central reverse, but only upon close inspection. This is an immensely pleasing example for the grade, much more so than the heavily nicked Ness Collection specimen offered last November.
Following the plan for the Fillmore and Pierce medals, only two sizes were issued for the Buchanan administration. There were reportedly 69 large-size medals struck and 74 of this
size. According to Prucha, there was no indication that any were returned and melted. This suggests that the rarities of the two sizes today should be about equal, and they are in terms of numbers of pieces known. They do diverge a bit in terms of auction appearances, however. Carl Carlson noted three auction records for large-size medals and seven records for this size. However, like his information provided for many other issues, there was no report as to how many different medals were represented in these auction records. We have offered a second- size Buchanan just six times in the last 15 or so years, while the number of appearances for a first-size medal is nearly two times that. The present writer has identified 13 different specimens, with five of them in institutional collections.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from James E. Cope (Or-
ange, Texas), August 1978; John J. Ford, Jr; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J.
Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 155.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries
SESSION 1 * SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, NOON PT
Extremely Rare Silver Buchanan Medal With the Fillmore-Pierce Reverse
10094
1857 James Buchanan Indian Peace Medal. Fillmore-Pierce Reverse. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-36, Prucha-Unlisted. MS-62 (NGC). 76.0 mm. 2872.0 grains. Beautifully toned with rich red, blue, gray and orange mottling on both sides, while small areas of more brilliant silver remain on both sides. Fine die polishing lines are seen in the fields and contribute to the softly lustrous appearance. Some light handling on the high points and a notable small reeding mark in the lower left reverse field illustrate that this has probably not always been in careful numismatic hands.
An extremely rare entry among the silver Peace medals, this is the only example from these dies we have handled in this composition. When this was last sold by us, it was indicated as “struck for Buchanan before his distinctive scalping and port hole die was completed.” While this supposed sequence might make sense, close comparison of this piece with the issued large- size Buchanan in this sale clarifies that this was struck later. The dies have been ground a bit, with some losses to the hair detail at the back of Buchanan's head, removal of two tiny blunt protrusions at the back of his coat, and removal of the small rough patch under his chin.
It is unclear when this was struck or for whom, but it clearly has some age to it and the handling marks are supportive of that. It
was likely produced for a collector in the late 19th century. Mint records published by Robert Julian include some intriguing entries. In 1864 and 1865, there are reports of 10 bronzes being struck. Either entry could represent impressions from this reverse and mark an occasion where an extra was produced in silver. Records were not as precisely maintained as we might like to think, and there are cases where the records state only that Peace medals were produced, without mention of a president. One of those cases appeared in 1895/96, where seven Peace medals were struck in silver, perhaps of a variety of presidents. This may never be figured out with certainty, but we do know for a fact that this medal is a great rarity in silver. It is the only example we are aware of in private hands, and the only one confirmed to be on a weight standard close to that which evidence suggests is appropriate for the 1850s or 1860s. Two others purported to be silver impressions are in the Crane Collection in Denver, but we have a weight for one that is much different than this piece and corresponds alarmingly to that expected of a bronze impression, calling at least that into question. One Crane example is pierced, while the other has a suspension loop affixed to the edge (not unlike some silver restrikes of the oval series from the Dr. William Bridge Collection.)
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier discovered in Portland, Or-
egon; Tipsico Coin; our (Stack’s) sale of January 2011, lot 6235.
Bid Online at www.StacksBowers.com
Page 63
U IMI COLLECTION PART 3
Outstanding Silver Lincoln Peace Medal The First Size Ex Garrett Collection
10095
1862 Abraham Lincoln Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Second Reverse. Julian IP-38, Prucha-51. Choice About Uncirculated. 75.5 mm. 2643.5 grains. Pierced for suspension as typical, with what is likely the original silver loop intact. Deeply toned on the obverse with broadly mottled blue, steel and soft rosy champagne toning over much of the surface, though areas of lighter silver do show through. The reverse is far more brilliant, with soft lilac toning and a broad arc of steel blue at the border from about 1:00 to 7:00. Extremely sharp and prooflike, and extremely attractive. As with other medals in this sale, this is among the nicer examples we have seen for the type and carries a fine provenance to the Garrett Collection.
The large-size Lincoln medals exist with two different reverse dies. The original die cut for the Buchanan medals is reported to have been used to strike eight large-size Lincolns before it failed and needed to be replaced, either very late in 1862 or in early 1863. We are aware of just a single surviving example, found in Genoa, Nebraska early in the 20th century. It has been at the ANS since 1915.
Mint records indicate that 100 Lincoln medals of each size were ordered and there is no commentary by Prucha or Julian to suggest any were returned unused. We are aware of 36 examples in silver. However, the number of issued originals is smaller. The large Lincoln medals seem to have been struck on four different weight standards. The unique medal from the signed reverse is the lightest among them and certainly original. Most others weigh similar to this. Two heavier standards include a few unpierced ones that were clearly for collectors, so it is likely that all of those (at least eight of them) are restrikes. The Mint records given by Robert Julian include two silver medals struck in 1864, one in 1868 and one in 1874. Presumably, there were others at various times, made to order. A total of 11 of the known medals are in museum hands. This is a superb piece in every respect, offering exceptional quality, good eye appeal and a nice provenance.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and
Ruddy’s) sale of the Garrett Collection, Part IV, March 1981, lot 1927 (the
extended provenance in that catalog is incorrect).
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Exceptional Second Size Lincoln in Silver Likely Finest Known
10096
1862 Abraham Lincoln Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-39, Prucha-51. Very Choice About Uncirculated. 62.6 mm. 1445.9 grains. Pierced for suspension as typical, with a plain silver loop that is likely the original. Another exceptional medal that can fairly easily be identified as the finest seen among the medals in the writer’s extensive census. In fact, it is probably one of the very finest Lincoln Peace medals of either size, with only the first large-size in Ford XVI (lot 156) being a likely contender for the honor. Exceptionally attractive toning, with pastel blue-green, rose, violet and deep gold iridescence across the entire obverse. The reverse is almost completely brilliant silver within the central medallion, while deep reddish gold, and intense blue and violet envelope the rims. Deeply prooflike on both sides and beautifully struck, with clear evidence of double striking on the obverse.
Unlike the case of the large Lincoln medals, the original reverse die cut for the second size Buchanan medals did not break and was used for all issued medals of this administration. Joseph Willson’s signature may be seen in the exergue of the central medallion. Though basically the same design as on the large medals, the details of the central medallion are arranged differently. While the foreground figure of the Native American
plowing is virtually identical, the arrangements in the distance differ. The most notable difference is in the central placement of a church steeple at the center on this size, while large medals have a less obvious church at the far right. The baseball players are also in different positions. Close inspection will reveal other differences as well. Quite a bit of detail was put into these designs by Willson.
It is believed that 100 medals were struck in silver of each size for the Lincoln issue, which would suggest that the survival rate should be fairly close between the two sizes. In fact, the writer has identified 23 different specimens for this size, which is 13 fewer than for the larger medals. However, all are pierced for issue, and consistently so, with a fairly consistent weight distribution as well. It seems that none of this size were produced for collectors, regardless of the superior quality seen here. This is a truly remarkable survivor. While it is one of many outstanding medals in the E Pluribus Unum Collection, it could easily stand alone as a centerpiece in many collections.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Leonard Stark, May
1958; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection,
Part XVI, October 2006, lot 163.
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Impressive First Size 1865 Andrew Johnson Medal
10097
1865 Andrew Johnson Indian Peace Medal. Silver. First Size. Julian IP-40, Prucha-52, Musante GW-770, Baker-173X. Choice Extremely Fine. 75.5 mm. 2664.2 grains. Original integral suspension mount with loop intact, but it is loose, exposing just how easily most of these hangers (and medals) were lost. Deep, gently mottled gray toning on both sides with accents of soft blue and deep olive gold. Beautifully struck with high rims that nicely protected the surfaces, as the scattered marks are fairly minimal.
With the Andrew Johnson medals, the reverse design was changed again, abandoning the starkly contrasting depictions of Euro American and Native American life used on the Buchanan and Lincoln medals. In this design, the driving theme was truly Peace, and the representatives of the two cultures are presented on equal ground for the first time since the Peace and Friendship reverse was retired in 1850. This is curious as Johnson's administration oversaw major relocations of plains indigenous
peoples away from white settlement and activity, including construction of the Pacific Railroad. He also directly addressed the “menacing attitude of the warlike bands” and commented that they were “instigated by real or imaginary grievances” to commit “acts of barbarous violence upon emigrants and our frontier settlements” in his third annual address to Congress. This is not language of equivalence or friendly cooperation, as depicted on these medals.
Of the 90 large-size Johnson medals believed struck, the present
writer is aware of 19 different examples. However, one among
them is of a suspicious nature and two additional restrikes have
been identified. Seven of the “good ones” are in institutional
holdings. This is a particularly nice medal, especially with the
intact original hanger, and it has an excellent provenance, too. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the W.W.C. Wilson Collection, Wayte Raymond, November 1925, lot 969; our (Bowers and Ruddy’) sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1981, lot 1928.
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Superb Andrew Johnson in Silver One of the Finest of the Second Size
10098
1865 Andrew Johnson Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Second Size. Julian IP-41, Prucha-52, Musante GW-771, Baker-173V. Choice About Uncirculated. 62.5 mm. 1487.0 grains. The rare original suspension mount is intact, a feature seen on just over one-third of the known survivors. Just a slight bend is noted in the loop. Yet another exceptional Peace medal, and as with other examples offered in the E Pluribus Unum Collection, this is easily among the finest known. It terms of actual wear, this piece is virtually Mint State, with only the most trivial rub on the highest points. There are light scattered fine scratches and marks through the fields, and slight looseness of the hanger suggests that it was probably suspended for a short while. Still, the quality is superb, with excellent sharpness throughout and lovely toning. Both sides exhibit soft gray, rose, gold, violet and blue mottling, though the reverse is a bit lighter overall. Gentle prooflike character remaining in the fields gives the piece a lively appearance, while the devices are satiny.
The extensive John Ford Collection included seven silver Andrew Johnson medals, but just two were of this second size, including this. In his cataloging of this specimen Michael Hodder expressed that he knew of just five examples, and Carl Carlson had earlier found seven auction records for silver examples of this size. In all, the writer has accounted for 18 specimens, about the same as for the Johnson medals of the first size. However, more of this size are in institutional collections, fully half of those known. According to Prucha, the total number produced of each size was 90 medals, so our ratio of survivors to those believed struck is virtually identical for the two Johnson medals. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Phil Lampkin, Octo- ber 1972; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collec- tion, Part XVI, October 2006, lot 171.
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Very Sharp Ulysses S. Grant in Silver
10099
1871 Ulysses S. Grant Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Julian IP-42, Prucha-53. Choice Extremely Fine. 63.3 mm. 1513.8 grains. Pierced for suspension as issued, with an apparently original silver loop still intact, and a short piece of hide cord tied through it. Relatively light steely silver gray with some deeper gray patina in the recesses. Quite uniform in appearance and very sharp, with respectable prooflike texture remaining evident in the fields giving this a slightly more flashy appearance than is usually seen. A couple of nicks in the right field are useful for identifying this specimen, but otherwise the handling amounts to little more than the usual light hairlining and scattered marks consistent with a gently used Peace medal.
The present writer has identified 57 distinct specimens of the Grant in silver, but this includes four unpierced examples that were clearly not intended for issuance among Native Americans. In addition, of those found, 14 are in institutional collections. There were two weight standards for the Grant medals, this being the lighter of them. They are struck from the same dies and there is no determinable difference in the die states between them. We have observed that the few pieces that have known indigenous provenances associated with them are of this lighter standard, but we suspect that the heaver medals were simply struck after changes in the coinage compositions were put in place in 1873. This has been off the market nearly 40 years. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Rud- dy’) sale of the Gerry Nelson Collection, April 1982, lot 1599.
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Very Rare 1881 James A. Garfield in Silver Early U.S. Mint Restrike
10100
1881 James A. Garfield Indian Peace Medal. Oval. Silver. Julian IP-44, Prucha-55. AU Details—Cleaned (NGC). 75.5 x 59.5 mm. 3020.7 grains. Integral suspension loop affixed at 12:00. Satiny light silver gray with some deeper patina close to the devices and through the legends. Pleasing soft luster on both sides and boldly struck, with high wire rims and strong detail throughout. Hairlined, as indicated by the NGC grade, but this is not unusual for Peace medals. Speckled patina on the obverse that is consistently seen on the former Dr. William Bridge Collection medals.
There were a few original medals struck in silver for the Garfield administration for distribution to Native Americans. As noted in Prucha, the adopted methodology was to strike medals as needed rather than to produce a large number for eventual distribution. As is the case with all of the oval issues, the silver Garfields are extremely rare (those of some administrations are unknown). We know of only four originals, and it seems that perhaps a mere 25 of them were struck for distribution. With the silver impressions prohibitively rare, and original bronzes not that much more available, these have been very hard for
collectors to capture in any form. This piece seems to have been one of a set of silver ovals produced to order, likely in the early 20th century. Similar one-offs, with the identical style of suspension loop, are known in silver for the Hayes, Arthur and Harrison medals. Most likely, such a medal exists for Cleveland, too, but we have not seen an example with such a loop. All of the looped ones share a provenance to Dr. Bridge. There is fairly strong collector enthusiasm when just about any Garfield Peace medal is offered for sale, and the rarity of the original silver impressions has created a good market for these few very rare restrikes. This has been off the market for a decade, but it brought $12,650 when it last sold, in our January 2011 Americana Sale. We have gotten as much as $9,000 for a Garfield in bronze and more than $31,000 for an original in silver, which puts this result into perspective. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the Dr. William Bridge Collection; World Exonumia’s (Rich Hartzog) Sale of September 1991, lot 1071; World Exonumia’s (Rich Hartzog) sale of November 2006, lot 578; Heritage’s sale of May 2010, lot 47279; our (Stack’s) sale of January 2011, lot 6245.
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Very Rare Benjamin Harrison Medal in Silver Named to Bull Bear, of the Cheyenne A Show Business Showpiece
10101
Undated (ca. 1890) Benjamin Harrison Indian Peace Medal. Silver. Julian IP-48, Prucha-58. Choice Very Fine. 76.4 mm. 3714.1 grains. Pierced for suspension at 12:00 with a loop of the original style, though we suspect it to be a replacement. Mostly light silver gray with some deeper gray patina outlining the motifs and letters of the legend, making them stand out visually a bit more than they otherwise would. Numerous tiny marks and a few fine scratches are noted under magnification, while a gentle rim bump is visible near 6:00.
Though this is the third example we have sold in the span of precisely one year, this is very much an anomaly in the data that suggests these medals are far more common than they truly are. In fact, the silver medals of Benjamin Harrison have long been considered among the toughest examples to acquire. The first we sold was in 2001, and at the time, there had not been an example sold at auction since 1936, that we are aware of. The Ford sales in 2006 and 2007 released three into the market that had been hidden away for decades (including both medals sold in 1936). A new example was presented by us in 2015, and that has made a repeat appearance. The result is that, all of a sudden, Harrison medals are seemingly frequently offered, but the fact remains that there are very few of these, indeed. Just 27 specimens are believed to have been issued originally, and there are only eight survivors known to the present writer, three of which are in institutional collections. This medal has a fascinating story.
Into the reverse has been engraved the name BULL BEAR and CHEYENNE at the tops of the two medallions. These are hand- cut letters, identifying the likely original recipient. Below the
name has been added, DIED KINGFISHER, OKLA 1909. This was applied later, by the same party who added the date “1889” to the obverse, and the edge inscription which we will discuss later. “Bull Bear” probably refers to Old Bull Bear, the medal likely inherited by his son, Young Bull Bear, after the elder died in 1892. The image reproduced in our catalog features Young Bull Bear wearing this medal, seated next to his brother, Crooked Nose (also identified as Richard A. Davis), taken in 1904, reportedly at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Ownership of the photo negative is attributed to the Field Museum in Chicago. Young Bull Bear is indeed buried at Kingfisher City Cemetery, with his date of death given as July 7, 1910. Chief Three Fingers, who also owned a Harrison medal (sold by us in November 2020), is buried at Kingfisher as well.
Old Bull Bear was aged, but still alive when the first of the Harrison medals were distributed, in 1890. He might seem an unlikely original recipient based on the fact that, for most of his life, he had not been considered friendly to the whites. He mistrusted them, particularly so after his brother, Lean Bear, was killed while wearing a Peace medal Abraham Lincoln had granted him while part of a delegation visiting Washington in 1863. Old Bull Bear became the fourth leader of the Dog Soldiers or Dog Men, one of the Cheyenne Warrior Societies, which resisted westward expansion of the United States. However, he is listed as the first signer of the Medicine Lodge Treaty of 1867, which is evidence of a change in his approach to dealing with the United States.
Benjamin Harrison established the Cherokee Commission in 1889 to work toward legal acquisition of tribal lands for
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settlement. Between May 1890 and November 1892, 11 agreements were signed between the United States and various affected tribes. The Cheyenne and Arapaho agreement was signed in October 1890, and while we do not have the names of those who signed on behalf of the Cheyenne, it is possible that Old Bull Bear, then an elder who had previously signed a treaty in 1867, might have been among them. It is also possible that Young Bull Bear took a leadership role in the 1890 Agreement signing and attracted the attention of the U.S. Government in doing so, directly earning this medal for himself. It is unlikely that this will ever be deciphered with certainty.
As noted above, the date “1889” has been punched into Harrison's lower lapel. Using the same style of individual punches, a presentation inscription has been applied to the edge: PRESENTED TO WHITE EAGLE. JR. JOE DAVIS * PAWNEE INDIAN * CHEYENNE INDIAN’S.
An applied date on a Peace medal is suggestive of a date of presentation or of an historical moment relating to the history of the medal, but this is not the case here. Most of the presidential Peace medal issues that had come before bore a date matching the year of the President’s inauguration (Lincoln’s issue being a notable exception to the rule). Someone thought this Harrison needed a date, and was seemingly aware of the dating convention, applying 1889, the year before these medals were struck and first presented.
The related edge inscription is far more interesting. White Eagle, Jr. was also known as Joe Davis, but even better known as “Indian Joe Davis,’ a Vaudeville and Wild West show performer and master rope handler. A passage relating to him is found in Starring Red Wing, The Incredible Career of Lillian M. St. Cyr, the First Native American Film Star, by Linda M. Waggoner, which suggests that his “Indian roots” were “tenuous” and that he was “likely a Mexican ranch hand [who] had learned fancy rope training in Texas and Oklahoma.” According to Waggoner, he claimed to have been born on a Nebraska reservation, but the date given was after the Pawnee had left the area for Oklahoma, and further, that “tribal records for White Eagle, Sr. don’t support Davis's claim?” Waggoner does note that prior to establishing his own stage act, he had performed in more famous Wild West shows operated by Dick Elliott, Pawnee Bill and Buffalo Bill Cody.
His act was frequently promoted in local newspapers. A quick search revealed notices dated between 1911 and 1927. We have also seen a promotional postcard for him, featuring an image of him with some of his props. In that image, draped over a bench, appear to be four medals, one of which might be this very example. We know that Davis owned more than a single medal, as an example of the U.S. Mint Washington medal (Prucha-60) bearing a similar “Joe Davis” edge inscription appeared in our Chris Schenkel sale in November 1990. That medal is now owned by the Nebraska State Historical Society. In another image of him, he is wearing two medals around his neck, the bottom one likely this very piece, as the outline of Harrison’s portrait can be discerned. It would appear that Davis marked other artifacts that he acquired to use in his act in a similar manner. A tomahawk bearing this similarly hand- punched inscription: “PRESENTED TO / WHITE EAGLE. JR * JOE DAVIS */ WATOMIE/ INDIAN’S/ OF KANSAS. / U.S. A. appeared in a February 2013 Skinner sale.
In this medal, we have an artifact that bridges three distinctive but very significant themes. Primarily, we have a very rare silver Peace medal, an official government award based on a long tradition, but one that was coming to a close by the 1890s. The Harrison medals were the last official entry in this historical timeline. Secondly, this medal, with its recipient’s name boldly engraved into the silver, and seen worn around the neck of its owner in a 1904 photograph, speaks to immense pride of ownership, a central part of the long-standing tradition of these medals from the perspectives of the recipients. Thirdly, this medal in particular is an artifact of the exploitation