Indian Peace Medals
(1775) Exceptional Silver William Penn Indian Peace Medal
(1775) William Penn Indian Peace Medal. Struck in Silver. “BY DEEDS OF PEACE” Legend. Betts-531. Dies by Lewis Pingo. Choice Semi Prooflike Brilliant About Uncirculated.
40mm. The Obverse features a high relief portrait of William Penn, his name around and vital dates below. The reverse depicts a Quaker shaking hands with a Native American Indian, who stands with a bow in his left hand. “BY DEEDS OF PEACE” surrounds the scene, “PENSYLVANIA SETLED (sic) 1681” below. The dies for this medal are by Lewis Pingo, Chief Engraver for the Royal Mint in London, 1779-1813. The issuance of this medal has been placed in the middle of the 18th century, Betts noting that a silver impression was transmitted in a letter dated May 30, 1775. This is a very beautiful example of this important, early American medal and one of the finest we’ve had the pleasure of handling. In years past, we have sold several examples in copper and two struck in silver. This William Penn Indian Peace Medal was the Only Medallic Representation of William Penn actually made during the Colonial period. Very rare, popular and highly desirable. The first example we have offered that was struck in Silver.