1840 Token DeWitt WHH-1840-2 Bronze Bunker Hill / Sucsess To The Fair Campaign

Coin Details

Auction Record

$312 MS63 09-21-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze campaign token for William Henry Harrison, cataloged as DeWitt WHH-1840-2, features the distinctive "Bunker Hill / Sucsess to the Fair" theme with its notable misspelling of "Success." This misspelling — whether intentional or accidental — has become one of the charming hallmarks of this particular variety, making it immediately identifiable to collectors familiar with the Harrison 1840 series. The "Success to the Fair" motto refers to a Whig fair or bazaar held in connection with the campaign, as political parties in this era organized fairs where campaign merchandise was sold and displayed alongside domestic goods, agricultural products, and handicrafts. These events served as community fundraisers for the party while reinforcing political allegiance through social participation. The Bunker Hill connection ties this token to the broader Whig strategy of associating Harrison with Revolutionary War patriotism. The bronze composition indicates higher-quality production than typical brass or white metal campaign tokens, and the low DeWitt catalog number — WHH-1840-2 — indicates this was among the first Harrison 1840 varieties cataloged, one of the more commonly encountered types.

Rarity Notes

Bronze campaign token from 1840. DeWitt WHH-1840-2. Notable for the "Sucsess" misspelling. Low DeWitt number indicates this was among the first cataloged and potentially more available than higher-numbered varieties.

Cross References

PCGS #887430; DeWitt WHH-1840-2; 1840 Presidential Election; Bunker Hill theme; "Sucsess" misspelling