1809 James Madison Peace Medal

<h3Value of 1809 James Madison Indian Peace Medal

The James Madison Indian Peace medal is dated 1809 but in all likelihood struck after 1814. The lateness of the medals was due to governmental delays and the ready availability of the Jefferson medals. The medals were struck by John Reich under the supervision of John Vaughn who was a patron of the arts and agent for the War Department. The obverse displays a bust of Madison facing to the left. The legend around his head reads, “JAMES MADISON PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. A.D. 1809.” Unlike the previous medal, the bust lacks the large drapery over the overcoat. The reverse displays two hands shaking below a peace pipe and tomahawk. The legend reads, “PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP.” The reverse design was a popular one on medals struck between 1809-1849. Unlike previous medals, the right hand lacks the cuff topped with an eagle. John Vaughn, Office of Indian Affairs believed that the cuff was not appropriate on an Indian. This is the most common of the Madison Indian Peace Medals because it was the size sold to collectors after 1861.