(1840) Brass Token HT-79A, Henry Clay

Coin Details

Auction Record

$214 XF45 04-16-2018 eBay

Description

This brass variety of the 1840 Henry Clay campaign token shares the same design as the copper HT-79 — Clay's portrait with "HENRY CLAY AND THE AMERICAN SYSTEM" and the "UNITED WE STAND" wreath reverse — but on a brass planchet. The golden color of brass gives the token a more premium appearance than the reddish-brown copper version. The existence of Clay campaign tokens from 1840 alongside Harrison campaign tokens reflects the complexity of Whig party politics. Clay was the philosophical leader of the party, the architect of its economic platform, and the candidate most closely identified with Whig principles. Harrison, however, was selected as the nominee because his military heroism and frontier image made him a more appealing candidate to the mass electorate. Clay supporters continued to promote their champion through tokens and other merchandising even after Harrison's nomination, maintaining Clay's visibility for future campaigns. Brass Clay tokens serve as important documents of the tension between ideological purity and electoral pragmatism that has characterized American political parties throughout history. The Whigs chose the more electable candidate over the more intellectually formidable one, a strategic decision that succeeded brilliantly at the polls but left the party without a clear policy direction when Harrison died and Tyler proved hostile to the Whig agenda.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Brass version with similar availability to the copper HT-79.

Cross References

Low 192; Rulau HT-79A