Lot 595
Large Silver Canadian Chief’s Prince of Wales’ Peace Medal, 1860
Lot 595 Details
Large Silver Canadian Chief’s Prince of Wales’ Peace Medal, 1860
obverse: Victoria, bust right, with legend: ‘Victoria Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regina F. D.’; engraved Prince of Wales’ badge with motto and 1860, truncation signed ‘W. Wyon, R. A,’ reverse: arms of Great Britain with ribbon of the Garter supported by lion and unicorn above banner with motto, Dieu et Mon Droit, 1840, in original leather presentation case
diameter 3" — 7.6 cm.
4.9 oz. — 153 grams
Estimate $5,000-$7,000
Additional Images
Note:
On Friday September 7, 1860, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and future King, arrived in Toronto. This was the first official royal visit to Canada, and the event was celebrated with enthusiasm and spectacle. Toronto, among other un-confederated Canadian towns received the Prince with ceremonial arches, parades, performances and massive crowds. He was welcomed with a concert performance at an amphitheatre built specifically for the occasion, and on the Sunday of his sojourn, attended a special service at St. James Cathedral on King Street.
The Prince of Wales honoured his British North American subjects through his actions, maintaining traditions and creating new ones that would strengthen ties between the colonies and Britain. A signed bible that was gifted to St. James on Edward’s visit continues to receive signatures of the Royal family. The Prince of Wales also continued the tradition of presenting silver medals to respected members of Indigenous communities, a practice that began in the 17th century. Honouring peace, these silver medals were presented to chiefs and warriors.
The present medal was minted in Britain in the 1840’s, by William Wyon, chief engraver at the Royal Mint and engraver to the Queen. The bust of Queen Victoria and the British Coat of Arms are traditional iconographies for British peace medals.