1847 Token DeWitt-ZT-1848-21 Copper Zachary Taylor Campaign

Coin Details

Description

This copper campaign token for Zachary Taylor, cataloged as DeWitt ZT-1848-21, was produced for the 1848 presidential campaign but bears the date 1847, referencing Taylor's Mexican-American War victories that made him a national hero. Taylor's triumphs at Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterrey, and especially Buena Vista in February 1847 — where he defeated a Mexican force three times the size of his own — catapulted the previously obscure career soldier to presidential contention. The Whig Party, seeking another military hero after the success of the Harrison template in 1840, nominated Taylor despite his complete lack of political experience and his refusal to state his positions on major issues. The copper composition of this token indicates a somewhat higher quality production than typical base metal campaign pieces. Taylor ran under the slogan "Old Rough and Ready" — a nickname earned from his habit of wearing civilian clothes and slouch hats instead of military uniforms. He won the presidency with 163 electoral votes to Democrat Lewis Cass's 127 and Free Soil candidate Martin Van Buren's zero, though Van Buren's candidacy siphoned enough Democratic votes in New York to ensure Taylor's victory.

Rarity Notes

Copper campaign token dated 1847. DeWitt ZT-1848-21. The 1847 date references Taylor's Mexican War victories rather than the 1848 election year. Taylor campaign material is moderately scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #891364; DeWitt ZT-1848-21; 1848 Presidential Election; Zachary Taylor; Mexican-American War