Stack's INDIAN PEACE MEDALS

HC

I suppose the first Ford sale of Indian Peace Medals was the one to step up to. At first glance, the upcoming May sale of American Indian Peace Medals doesn't have nearly the selection nor do they look nearly as nice. Many seem to have a number of issues that the ones in the first sale didn't. Oh well! My mantra remains valid -- The only regrets that I have are for the things I didn't buy --
Anyone else feel the same?

Coinosaurus

If it's like all the other Ford sales, the folks who don't step up may regret it for a long time.

Zoins

Does anyone know what the Indians thought of these medals at the time and today? Do they value the medals and/or have them in Indian museums? Or do they generally not appreciate them?

ColonialCoinUnion

I agree HC - the tastiest example were in round 1.

ipmman

I'm betting that the medals will all hit new heights though. I wonder if all of those Copper Bronzed examples will jump beyond the traditional $350-600 price range? My prediction is that many of them will go to 4 figures.

The Ovals definatly will go into the 4 figure range, I won't be surprized if the Cleveland sells for over $5000, it is an incredible rarity. The Harrison Oval is the rarest of the Copper ovals though, missing from the Ford Collection!

Believe it or not, I've owned 2 of the Harrison Ovals. I still have one of them, and regret selling the other (though I got $4500 for it). I am guessing there are only 4 or 5 of them extant.

I am disappointed that there are no more French or early British pieces, I was saving my $ just for those, so now I need to rethink my strategy. Maybe a small or large 1840/1860 Victoria is in my future. Or maybe I will concentrate on some of the small presidential copper medals. I need to sort it out.

What interests do others have?

HC

My interest is in the earlier medals up to Taylor at the latest. I know that the ovals and such are great rarities but my interest lies in the medals that were truly important at the time. My study explains that once the mint decided to start striking medals for the collectors, at the same time the original Indian interest began to wane. Later on, as Indians were settled and they were brought under control so to speak, the medals seemed to have lost the meaning that they originally had. These medals were of great importance and in many cases business just did not get done unless there was a medal to award to a chief. That original feeling may have peaked with the Jackson medals or shortly after, like I say, up to Taylor at latest. So my interest is in these earlier ones.

HC

I think the medals were and are geatly appreciated by all, Indian and Whiteman. The Indians who were awarded the medals were either buried with them, or had them passed along to their future generations. Aside from the low number of strikings, I believe that is why original silver medals are so rare today. I believe that they are both in the hands of family members of tribes, buried and in Indian and American museums. As many as have become available through the Ford offerings, I still count less than 100 original silver of the American IPM's within both sales. That ain't a whole lot for the hungry audience desiring at least one for a type collection. Also, I think that the facts of them being Ford's most highly prized rarities is making all everyone take a hard second look. If the guru thought these were the most important of all the American medals, I am certainly in no position to argue.
I expect that the upcoming release of the 100 GREATEST MEDALS AND TOKENS will list many IPM's which should also get a new round of interest. Like I said, shoulda bought the store on the first sale.

DUIGUY

Tanks for the heads up !

Zoins

Great info HC

ipmman

HC,

Interesting approach. I can't argue with what you are saying. In part, that is why I love the French and British Medals, as they were very critical to the Military efforts on the continent. Aesthetically, at least to me, they are superior as well.

The beauty of these medals is you have both History, and Rarity, and that is why Ford must have favored the medals.I also love the Comitia Americana medals as well, for the same reason.