King George III silver medal. The inscription on the front reads, “Georgius III D. G. M. Bri. Fra. et Hib. Rex. F. D.” and has a bust of the king. The back has a scene with a Native American figure and an Englishman sitting together with the inscription “Happy While United” above them.

The “Happy While United” medals of George III were struck in 1764 & 1766 as a result of the Ottawa chief Pontiac’s Revolt of 1763. “Happy While United” medals were a turning point in British thinking about Indian warriors. Earlier, British commanders did not believe Indians could defeat British army troops. When proven wrong, the British actively recruited Indian allies to combat French and American armies.

Silver peace medals were given to influential Native Americans as a symbol of friendship and allegiance with the United States government or foreign power. Medals were given on important occasions, like the signing of a treaty, and then only to very influential members of the tribe. The me