Copyright: © Copyright 2014 Calvin J. Hamilton Date Added: 2014/08/10 Location: Museum of Westward Expansion, St. Louis, MO

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The presentation of medals to dignitaries, Thomas Jefferson once said, was "an ancient custom from time immemorial." France, Spain, and England produced medals to commemorate the crowning of a new monarch. Statesmen and diplomats used them to express respect and friendship between nations. As these countries began negotiating with American Indian leaders, they brought their customs, and their medals, to the New World.