Indian Peace Medals
Extremely Rare 1901 Canadian Indian Peace Medal in Silver
1901-Dated The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, Canadian Indian Peace Medal in Silver, Choice About Mint State, Prooflike.
Superbly detailed, high quality lustrous Silver Indian Peace Medal from Canada, measuring approximately 2.5” in diameter and having lovely Prooflike surfaces. Other than for some wispy hairlines there are no significant marks or detractions. A lovely original light golden overtones are within the outer decorative devices and the central portraits have an even frosted appearance. The rims are perfectly sharp with no bumps or bruises present. Any complete type set of North American Silver Indian Peace Medals should include the several major Canadian varieties. They are as rare as some of the American Presidential Indian Peace Medals. The obverse features conjoined busts of the their Royal Highness, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The reverse has Royal Arms in the center, “CALGARY SEP. 28th 1901" below, all surrounded by the legend “PRESENTED TO HEAD CHIEFS IN COMMEMORATION OF ASSEMBLY OF INDIAN TRIBES." Made for the Canadian Government being struck by Ellis & Co. Ltd of Toronto, Canada.

On September 28, 1901, the Duke and Duchess met with 2,000 Indians in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with both sides offering kind words to the other. Experts believe that only between 150 and 200 were struck. Far fewer have survived, or have ever come on the market. Originally issued suspended from a ribbon and clasp, but these are usually missing. The last example of this medal that we have offered brought $2,705 in lesser quality, graded Extremely Fine, which sold 13 years ago in our June 2002 sale. Extremely Rare!