Discover the Significance of the 1877 Canadian Silver Treaty Medal Sold for $61,000!

The sale of a silver Canadian Treaty medal has caught the attention of collectors and history enthusiasts alike. This medal, related to Treaty No. 7, sold for about $61,000 U.S. at an auction on April 22, 2024, in Quebec City. Its significance lies not just in its material value but in its historical importance to the First Nations people of Canada. Here’s a closer look at this remarkable piece of history.

FeatureDetails
Name1877 Canadian Silver Treaty Medal
Auction DateApril 22, 2024
Auction HouseThe Canadian Numismatic Company
Sale Price$83,650 CAD ($60,920 USD)
Pre-Sale Estimate$30,000 CAD ($21,838 USD)
Treaty NumberTreaty No. 7
Signatory NationsBearspaw, Blood, Chiniki, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney, Tsuu T’Ina, Wesley
Land CededApproximately 130,000 square kilometers
Crown RepresentativeQueen Victoria
Medal Weight205 grams
Diameter76 millimeters
Obverse DesignQueen Victoria crowned and veiled, facing left
Reverse DesignCommissioner shaking hands with a First Nations man, tepees in background
Historical SignificanceSymbol of commitment between the Crown and Indigenous peoples

Overview of the Treaty Medal

The 1877 Indian Treaty No. 7 silver medal is a significant artifact representing an agreement between the Crown and several First Nation bands, primarily from the Blackfoot Nation, in what is now southern Alberta. The medal realized $83,650 Canadian (about $60,920 U.S.) at The Canadian Numismatic Company’s Prominence X auction, significantly surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $30,000 Canadian (around $21,838 U.S.). This highlights the growing interest in historical artifacts, especially those tied to Indigenous history.

History Behind Treaty No. 7

The Agreement

Treaty No. 7 was signed in 1877 and included several First Nations: The Bearspaw, The Blood, Chiniki, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney, Tsuu T’Ina, and The Wesley Nations. The treaty allowed the Crown to acquire about 130,000 square kilometers of land in exchange for various rights and goods for the Indigenous peoples. The land extended from the Rocky Mountains to the Cypress Hills, encompassing a vast area of southern Alberta.

The Role of Crowfoot

The idea of developing treaties for Blackfoot lands was introduced by John McDougall to Blackfoot chief Crowfoot in 1875. This marked a significant moment in Canadian history, as it established the foundation for relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.

Significance of the Treaty Medal

A Symbol of Commitment

Treaty medals like the one sold are not just pieces of silver; they are rich in history and meaning. They were presented to chiefs as gifts in recognition of their commitment to the treaties. Each medal serves as a lasting reminder of the agreements made and the rights guaranteed to the Indigenous peoples, such as hunting, fishing, and accessing natural resources on their reserve lands.

Visual Representation

The 1877 silver medal is particularly notable for its design. The obverse side features Queen Victoria, crowned and veiled, facing left. The reverse showcases a powerful scene: a commissioner of the second rank shaking hands with a First Nations man in full traditional dress, with tepees and a rising sun in the background. This imagery captures the essence of the treaty’s significance and the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples.

Auction Highlights

This particular medal weighed 205 grams and measured 76 millimeters in diameter. Its historical importance and artistic value contributed to its high sale price. The auction in April 2024 was not the first for Treaty medals at The Canadian Numismatic Company; they previously sold a Treaty No. 4 medal in July 2023 for $113,525 Canadian, showing a trend in the growing market for such historical artifacts.

Conclusion

The sale of the 1877 Canadian silver Treaty medal is a significant event that reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of Canada’s Indigenous peoples. This particular medal stands as a reminder of the treaties that shaped relationships between the Crown and First Nations, symbolizing both commitment and respect. Collectors and historians recognize the value of such artifacts, not only for their monetary worth but also for their role in telling the story of Canada’s past. As interest in Indigenous history continues to grow, so too does the importance of preserving and celebrating these significant pieces of history.

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FAQs

1. What is the significance of the 1877 Canadian Silver Treaty Medal?

The medal symbolizes the agreement made in Treaty No. 7 between the Crown and several First Nations, serving as a reminder of the commitments made regarding land rights and resources for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

2. Why was the medal sold for such a high price?

The high sale price reflects its historical importance, rarity, and the growing interest in Indigenous artifacts among collectors and historians.

3. What does Treaty No. 7 entail?

Treaty No. 7 was an agreement signed in 1877 that allowed the Crown to acquire land from several First Nations in southern Alberta in exchange for certain rights and goods.

4. Who were the key figures involved in the treaty?

Key figures include Blackfoot chief Crowfoot and John McDougall, who introduced the idea of treaties for Blackfoot lands.

5. What are the designs featured on the medal?

The obverse features Queen Victoria, while the reverse depicts a commissioner shaking hands with a First Nations leader, symbolizing mutual respect and agreement.

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