4266

Copper Shield Fragment From Potlatch

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Copper Shield Fragment From Potlatch
SOLD
200.00USD+ buyer's premium (40.00)
This item SOLD at 2021 Mar 12 @ 13:07UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
Lot: 4266
Header:
Title: Copper Shield Fragment From Potlatch
Description: The natives of Northwest Canada had a unique custom called potlatch: huge feasts were given at which a leading member of a tribe would distribute vast wealth. Copper shield money was given, and occasionally simply destroyed to show contempt by the potlatch giver, since he was so wealthy he could throw his money away. This is a copper shield fragment from such a potlatch. See Opitz, pp. 265-70 (this shield fragment illustrated on p. 268, top).
Low Estimate: 500
High Estimate: 900
Pedigree Collection: Ex Detroit Money Museum Nov. 30, 1992 (Craig A. Whitford auction), ex Nate S. Shapiro Collection (museum opened April 28, 1960).