In the world of collectibles, some items hold more than just monetary value; they represent important moments in history and culture. One such item is the 1877 Treaty No. 7 silver medal, which recently sold at auction for a significant sum. This medal is not only a valuable collectible but also a crucial piece of Canadian history, particularly for the First Nations people in Canada.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Medal Name | Treaty No. 7 Silver Medal |
| Auction Date | April 22, 2024 |
| Auction House | The Canadian Numismatic Company’s Prominence X Auction |
| Sale Price | $83,650 CAD ($60,920 USD), including 19.5% buyer’s fee |
| Pre-Sale Estimate | $30,000 CAD ($21,838 USD) |
| Material | Silver |
| Weight | 205 grams |
| Diameter | 76 millimeters |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Queen Victoria, crowned and veiled, facing left |
| Reverse Design | Commissioner shaking hands with First Nations leader, tepees and rising sun in background |
| Represented Nations | Bearspaw, Blood, Chiniki, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney, Tsuu T’Ina, Wesley |
| Significance | Represents 1877 Treaty No. 7, marking the agreement between the Crown and Blackfoot nations |
| Comparable Auctions | Treaty No. 4 medal auctioned in 2023 for $113,525 CAD |
What is Treaty No. 7?
Treaty No. 7 is an agreement made in 1877 between the Crown and several First Nations in Canada, primarily the Blackfoot Confederacy. The treaty covered a large area in what is now southern Alberta. This area includes land that is vital for Indigenous cultures, allowing for traditional practices like hunting and fishing. The idea to create treaties like this was first brought to Blackfoot Chief Crowfoot by John McDougall, a government representative, in 1875.
In simple terms, Treaty No. 7 was about making sure both the Crown and the Indigenous nations had clear agreements about the land and resources. It set the stage for a partnership that, while complicated, aimed to recognize Indigenous rights.
The Auction: A Major Event
On April 22, 2024, the 1877 Treaty No. 7 silver medal was auctioned at The Canadian Numismatic Company’s Prominence X auction in Quebec City. This auction attracted many collectors, historians, and people interested in Indigenous history. The medal was sold for an impressive $83,650 Canadian (approximately $60,920 U.S.), which included a 19.5% buyer’s fee. The auction company had estimated that it would sell for about $30,000 Canadian (around $21,838 U.S.), making the final price much higher than expected.
Why Is the Medal Special?
The 1877 Treaty No. 7 medal is unique for several reasons. First, it symbolizes an important agreement between the Crown and several First Nations groups, including the Bearspaw, Blood, Chiniki, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney, Tsuu T’Ina, and Wesley Nations. These groups are significant players in the story of Indigenous rights and land in Canada.
The medal itself is made of silver and weighs 205 grams. It has a diameter of 76 millimeters. On the front side, known as the obverse, there is a portrait of Queen Victoria. She is depicted wearing a crown and veil, looking to the left. This image is important because Queen Victoria was the reigning monarch during the time the treaty was signed, representing the British Crown.
On the reverse side, we see a scene that tells a story. It shows a commissioner of the second rank, standing and facing right, shaking hands with a First Nations man who is dressed in traditional attire, facing left. In the background, there are tepees and a rising sun, symbolizing the hope for a bright future and mutual respect between the Crown and the First Nations.
The Importance of Treaty Medals
Treaty medals, like the one for Treaty No. 7, were given as gifts to Indigenous leaders who entered into agreements with the Crown. These medals were more than just shiny objects; they were a lasting reminder of the commitments made by both parties. The treaties often included promises about hunting, fishing rights, and access to natural resources, which were essential for the survival and cultural practices of Indigenous peoples.
When Indigenous leaders received these medals, they were not only receiving a symbol of respect but also a reminder of the promises that were made. In many ways, these medals were meant to ensure that both sides remembered their commitments, fostering a sense of accountability.
The Auction House’s History
The auction where the 1877 Treaty No. 7 medal was sold is not new to treaty medals. In July 2023, the same auction house sold a Treaty No. 4 medal for an even higher price of $113,525 Canadian. This shows that there is a growing interest in these historical items, reflecting a broader recognition of the importance of Indigenous history in Canada.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Medal
The 1877 Treaty No. 7 silver medal is more than just a collectible; it is a symbol of a crucial agreement between the Crown and First Nations people. The high auction price reflects not only the medal’s material value but also its historical significance. As collectors and historians continue to recognize the importance of Indigenous treaties, items like this medal will remain vital pieces of Canada’s heritage.
In a world where history can sometimes feel distant, medals like the Treaty No. 7 remind us of the agreements that shape our society. They highlight the importance of understanding and respecting Indigenous rights and the promises made in treaties. By learning about such items, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of history that makes up our country.
Summary
The 1877 Treaty No. 7 silver medal recently sold at auction for $83,650 CAD, a testament to its historical significance. It symbolizes an agreement between the Crown and several First Nations in Canada, including the Blackfoot Confederacy. The medal features Queen Victoria on one side and a scene depicting a handshake between a commissioner and a First Nations leader on the other. It serves as a reminder of the promises made in treaties regarding Indigenous rights and land use.
FAQs
1. What is the 1877 Treaty No. 7 silver medal, and why is it important?
The Treaty No. 7 silver medal is a rare historical artifact that commemorates the 1877 agreement between the Crown and Blackfoot First Nations in southern Alberta. It symbolizes the treaty’s commitments to Indigenous rights and land.
2. Which First Nations groups were part of Treaty No. 7?
Treaty No. 7 included eight Indigenous groups: Bearspaw, Blood, Chiniki, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney, Tsuu T’Ina, and Wesley Nations.
3. How much did the Treaty No. 7 medal sell for at auction?
The medal sold for $83,650 CAD ($60,920 USD) in April 2024 at The Canadian Numismatic Company’s auction.
4. What is the design on each side of the Treaty No. 7 medal?
The front side features Queen Victoria’s crowned and veiled portrait, facing left. The back shows a First Nations leader shaking hands with a commissioner against a background of tepees and a rising sun, symbolizing peace and partnership.
5. Why were treaty medals given to Indigenous leaders?
Treaty medals served as a visual commitment from the Crown to uphold treaty promises, including rights to land, hunting, and resources for Indigenous nations.