(1856) Medal DeWitt JF 1856-9 Copper John C. Fremont Campaign

Coin Details

Description

This 1856 copper campaign medal, cataloged as DeWitt JF 1856-9, is another variety produced for John C. Fremont's historic presidential campaign as the inaugural Republican Party nominee. DeWitt JF 1856-9 features a distinct die combination from the JF 1856-2, with different obverse portraiture or reverse design elements distinguishing it within the extensive series of Fremont campaign pieces documented in the DeWitt catalog. The 1856 campaign generated dozens of distinct medal and token varieties for each candidate, reflecting both the intensity of the slavery debate and the commercial enterprise of die sinkers and token manufacturers in eastern cities. Fremont's campaign attracted passionate supporters who wore tokens and medals as badges of political allegiance, a practice that had become central to American electioneering since the 1840 "Log Cabin" campaign of William Henry Harrison. The copper composition indicates this piece was intended for everyday carry and display rather than as a presentation piece. Fremont's anti-slavery stance energized northern voters, and his campaign tokens frequently incorporated abolitionist imagery and slogans alongside the candidate's portrait, making them important documents of antebellum political culture.

Rarity Notes

DeWitt JF 1856-9. Copper composition. Moderate survival rate typical of 1856 campaign pieces. The extensive variety of Fremont tokens makes assembling a complete DeWitt set a significant challenge.

Cross References

PCGS #974201; DeWitt JF 1856-9; 1856 Presidential Election