Treaty medal was a ‘place-holder’ issued to and owned by Saulteaux chief

Dealer’s research reveals medal’s rare significance

By Mike Walsh

Ian Laing, owner of Gatewest Coins in Winnipeg, recently unearthed an extraordinary piece of Canadian history: a treaty medal with direct ties to the signing of Treaty 4.

The well-known longtime dealer, who has been a prominent figure in the numismatic world for almost six decades, made this significant discovery during Geoffrey Bell Auctions’ Oct. 4 sale, where he purchased Lot 424, a silver medal initially described as having some scratches on the reverse. The medal, listed in the catalogue as an Indian Peace Medal, turned out to be a treasure far greater in both historical significance and rarity.

Laing’s numismatic credentials are well established. As the 46-year owner of Gatewest Coins, Laing has built his business into the world’s largest dealer of Canadian coins. He was also named one of Coin World’s Most Influential People in Numismatics 1960-2020, the only Canadian to make the U.S.-based publication’s “Top 60” list. With nearly 58 years as a coin dealer, Laing’s expertise and passion for numismatics have made him a respected figure in the field, handling some of Canada’s most significant numismatic pieces.

The description for Lot 424 stated: “It displays moderate evidence of wear and handling, consistent with an awarded peace medal. Battle-ship grey surfaces feature an illegible inscription on the reverse, which may very well be the name of the original recipient. … An important rarity.” The medal sold for $6,300 including buyer’s premium.

After acquiring the medal, Laing carefully examined the scratches, which revealed what appeared to be an engraving: the name “G. Cote,” a Saulteaux chief who played a pivotal role in the Treaty 4 negotiations in 1874. This wasn’t just any peace medal; Laing had stumbled upon one of the few surviving original-issue treaty medals given out during the ceremony.

“This medal was far more than what anyone thought,” Laing explained. “It’s the only treaty medal I’ve ever seen that …

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