(1848) Token DeWitt ZT 1848-17 Copper Holed Major Genl. Z. Taylor Campaign

Coin Details

Auction Record

$156 VF Details 06-09-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This holed copper campaign token for Major General Zachary Taylor from the 1848 presidential election is cataloged as DeWitt ZT 1848-17. The holed condition indicates this token was worn as a campaign badge, continuing the practice established during the Harrison 1840 campaign of wearing candidate tokens on clothing or suspended from ribbons. Taylor's military title "Major Genl." is prominently displayed, linking him to his Mexican War victories that made him a national celebrity. Taylor's battlefield leadership at Buena Vista in February 1847 was particularly remarkable — facing Santa Anna's army of roughly 15,000 with only about 5,000 men, Taylor held his position against repeated Mexican assaults and inflicted devastating casualties through effective use of artillery. The Whig Party recognized that Taylor's military reputation could be converted into political success using the same formula that had worked for Harrison. The copper composition and holed condition of this token suggest it was actively used by a Taylor supporter during the 1848 campaign season. Campaign tokens from the 1848 election are less numerous in variety than the 1840 Harrison series but remain an important collecting category within American political numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Holed copper campaign token from 1848. DeWitt ZT 1848-17. The holed condition confirms use as a wearable campaign badge. Taylor campaign items are less prolific than Harrison 1840 material.

Cross References

PCGS #881989; DeWitt ZT 1848-17; 1848 Presidential Election; Zachary Taylor; Battle of Buena Vista