Louis XV silver medal with the inscription “Ludovicus XV. Rex Christianissimus.” The reverse side says, “Honos et Virtus,” and shows two figures.

The Honos et Virtu (Honor and Truth) was first used in the early 1720’s and as late as the 1750’s. The design on the front and back of the medal may have been more appealing than British medals of the same period. The portrait of Louis Philippe is more vibrant and the reverse image shows a reaching out between two equals. British medals often depicted Indians as inferiors.

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 medals held even greater importance than normal during times of war or tension, particularly between the US and Great Britain. The countries would compete for the loyalty and fr