"1849" Zachary Taylor Indian Peace Medal, Struck at the United States Mint in Bronze, 76mm, First Largest Size, Julian IP-27, Prucha-47, Second Reverse, NGC graded Mint State-63 Brown.
Julian IP-27. This largest size medal measures 3 inches in diameter x 2/8 inches in height. It has a lovely smooth even medium brown appearance on both sides (and appears too conservatively graded by NGC). Engraver Henry Kirke Brown (1814-1886) created the initial sketch of Zachary Taylor’s head. Since Henry Brown was not knowledgeable in the creation of medals using the portrait lathe, the original model had to be recreated. The delay pushed the creation of the medal back to September 1849. Secondly, the die for the largest medal broke in 1850 and had to be fixed. Lastly, Taylor died in July of 1850 which stopped the creation of new medals. The obverse displays a bust of Taylor, facing to the left wearing a draped cloth. The legend around his head reads, “ZACHARY TAYLOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES - 1849.” The reverse is similar to the previous designs that feature two hands shaking below a crossed tomahawk and peace pipe. The legend reads, “PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP.” The original reverse dies, used in the previous medals had worn out, so this design, featuring thicker, heavier letters was used. It is believed that Forty-nine medals were struck in this size. The rims are 7mm thick and appear perfect, overall 228.5 gm. Design with Bust left, reverse clasped hands, tomahawk, and peace pipe, with the Second Reverse identified by the index finger pointing to the R in FRIENDSHIP rather than the F. NGC has identified this as the "Reverse of 1809-1849." This is a sharp attractive milk-chocolate example.