Bronze Napoleon medal

European

19th century

silver

Gilcrease Museum

A Napoleon silver medal. Bust of Napoleon on the front. Inscription on the back reads, “Auspice Neapoleone Gallia Renovata.” 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 the loyalty and friendship of the tribes, and a…