UNITED STATES, JAMES MADISON (1809-1817), INDIAN PEACE MEDAL, 1809

Silver. Middle size. John Reich, engraver. JAMES MADISON PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. A.D. 1809, bust of Madison left, rev., PEACE | AND | FRIENDSHIP, clasped hands below crossed tomahawk and peace pipe, 62.5 mm (Julian IP-6; Prucha 40; Belden 21), pierced for suspension, light graffiti on reverse including ‘JRL’ , the obverse with a few field marks, otherwise very fine and grey toned

Leonard Stark, May 2, 1962; John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, part XVIII, Stack’s, May 22, 2007, lot 69

Although the reverse is based on the type first employed during Jefferson’s presidency, the reverse was modified at mint director Robert Patterson’s suggestion. The cuff on the Indian’s hand was removed “thus more clearly indicating the diversity of the nations or races united in friendship.”