Abraham Lincoln peace medal, 1st size

United States

circa 1862

silver

Gilcrease Museum

The first Lincoln medals were struck in September of 1862. Also designed by Salathiel Ellis and Joseph Wilson, they used the same “scalping scene” reverse that was used on the Buchanan medal. During Lincoln’s presidency, the federal government was focused more on the Civil War than on Indian relations. Relatively few Lincoln medals were distributed. Silver peace medals were given to influential Native Americans as a symbol of friendship and allegiance with the United States government. Medals were given on important occasions, like the signing of a treaty, and then only to very influential members of the tribe. The medals…