(1840) Medal WHH 1840-25 Brass, Pierced Maj. Gen. W.H. Harrison

Coin Details

Description

This brass medal cataloged as WHH 1840-25 features William Henry Harrison and is pierced for suspension, dating from his successful 1840 presidential campaign — the legendary "Log Cabin and Hard Cider" campaign that transformed American politics. The 1840 election was the first modern presidential campaign, featuring mass rallies, catchy slogans ("Tippecanoe and Tyler Too"), campaign songs, and enormous quantities of political memorabilia. Harrison medals and tokens were produced in dozens of varieties and metals, creating a rich numismatic legacy. The pierced format indicates this medal was worn as a campaign badge, pinned or tied to clothing at rallies and political meetings. The brass composition was common for mass-produced campaign pieces intended for wide distribution among supporters. Harrison's 1840 campaign generated more medallic and token varieties than any previous American political campaign, reflecting both the new style of popular democratic politics and the growing capacity of American die sinkers and token manufacturers. Harrison won the election decisively but died just 31 days into his presidency.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. While the 1840 Harrison campaign produced many medal varieties, individual types like WHH 1840-25 are uncommon in the market.

Cross References

PCGS #940248; WHH 1840-25; William Henry Harrison; 1840 Presidential Campaign