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Peace Medal
Jefferson Peace Medal,United States Mint, 1801.
Gift of Joseph R. and Ruth Lasser,Acc. #2003-102.
Trade and gift exchange was a very important element of the interaction between the Corps of Discovery and the native tribes they encountered on their journey west. In order to cultivate positive relations with the Indians, Lewis and Clark brought with them items such as glass beads, metal tools, and American flags, which they traded for horses, food, and clothing. In addition, they carried U.S. government issued peace medals, which they presented to Indian leaders during diplomatic ceremonies, in exchange for items like pipes and robes.
The Jefferson peace medals that Lewis and Clark gave to the tribal leaders had an image of Jefferson with the words “Th. Jefferson President of the U.S. A.D. 1801” on the obverse and clasped hands (one white and one Indian) under crossed pipe and ax and the words “peace and friendship” on the reverse. The medals were presented as gifts by Lewis and Clark as a sign of their good faith and friendly intentions toward the Indians.
More information about peace medals can be found by clicking on the following links:
http://www.monticello.org/reports/interests/peace_medal.html
http://www.lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=350
http://www.usmint.gov/kids/index.cfm?fileContents=campCoin/medalMania/peaceMedals.cfm
Book: "Pewter at Colonial Williams-
Historic Triangle
