Silver peace medal

European

circa 1757

silver

Gilcrease Museum

A King George III medal. The front features a bust of King George and the words, “Georgius III Dei Gratia.” The back has the royal crest on it. 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 and Great Britain. The countries would compete for…