Zachary Taylor peace medal

United States

circa 1849

silver

Gilcrease Museum

Zachary Taylor silver peace medal. The front has a bust of President Taylor and the inscription, “Zachary Taylor President of the United States 1849.” The back features two hands shaking and the words, “Peace and Friendship.” Silver peace medals were given to influential Native Americans as a symbol of friendship and allegiance with the United States government or foreign power. Medals were given on important occasions, like the signing of a treaty, and then only to very influential members of the tribe. The medals held even greater importance than normal during times of war or tension, particularly between the US…