Peace Medals: Symbols of Influence and Prestige in North America

December 4, 2011 – April 1, 2012

"Peace and Friendship" — these powerful words are emblazoned on the back of silver peace medals given by American presidents to chiefs of important Native American tribes in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The U.S. government negotiated with powerful chiefs to secure their political allegiance against other colonial powers (Great Britain, France and Spain) and to create trading partnerships. "Peace and friendship" was a noble phrase, but one that that rarely described the real interactions between the government and Native tribes. 

Beautiful examples of the artistry of coins and medals, these peace medals selected from the Gilcrease collection are most notable for their historical significance. They serve as important symbols of the turbulent times that saw the birth of the American nation and its rise to world prominence. Peace medals also represent promises, kept and broken, made by our government to Indian peoples across the continent.