A King George III medal. The front features a bust of King George and the words, “Georgius III D. G. M. Bri. Era. Et. Hib. Rex. F. D.” The back features two seated figures and the inscription, “Happy while United.”

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.

On the Gilcrease collection medal, “Chas. W. Powell” was etched in cursive on the medal. Powell may be the man mentioned in the papers of Sir William Johnson, “an Englishman brought here (Fort Pitt) by the Weyindotts (sic)in 1760”.

Silver peace medals were given to influential Native Americans as a symbol of friendship and allegiance with the United States g