(1841) Gilt Brass Token HT-811, W.H. Harrison

Coin Details

Description

This gilt brass Harrison campaign token from 1841 was produced to commemorate Harrison's inauguration on March 4, 1841, or to celebrate the Whig victory in the 1840 election. The 1841 date distinguishes it from the pre-election campaign tokens dated 1840, marking the transition from candidate to president-elect and the Whig Party's moment of triumph. Harrison's inauguration was itself a dramatic event. The 68-year-old president-elect delivered the longest inaugural address in American history (8,445 words, nearly two hours) in cold, wet weather without an overcoat or hat. He developed pneumonia shortly afterward and died on April 4, 1841, just thirty-one days into his presidency. This tragic outcome transformed campaign tokens and medals into memorial pieces, imbuing them with poignant historical significance. The gilt brass composition of this 1841-dated piece indicates it was a premium inauguration souvenir rather than a campaign distribution piece. Inauguration-era tokens would have been sold or distributed at celebrations marking the Whig victory, making them artifacts of a celebration that turned to mourning within weeks.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Gilt brass. 1841-dated Harrison inauguration/memorial token.

Cross References

Rulau HT-811