1859 Medal DeWitt-SL-1859-1 White Metal John Brown

Coin Details

Auction Record

$840 MS62 08-25-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This white metal medal or token from 1859, cataloged as DeWitt SL-1859-1, commemorates John Brown, the abolitionist who led the ill-fated raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia on October 16, 1859. Brown's raid, intended to spark a slave insurrection, instead resulted in his capture, trial, and execution by hanging on December 2, 1859. The raid electrified the nation — Northerners were divided between those who condemned Brown as a violent fanatic and those who hailed him as a martyr for freedom, while Southerners were universally horrified and saw the raid as evidence that the North intended to destroy slavery by force. The "SL" prefix in the DeWitt catalog stands for "Slavery" or "Sectional," classifying this among political pieces related to the slavery controversy rather than specific campaign material. Brown's execution transformed him into a powerful symbol for the antislavery movement, and commemorative medals bearing his image were produced by Northern sympathizers. The white metal composition indicates this was a mass-distribution piece intended for Brown's supporters.

Rarity Notes

White metal medal from 1859. DeWitt SL-1859-1. John Brown Harpers Ferry commemoration. Historically significant antislavery artifact. Moderately scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #528373; DeWitt SL-1859-1; John Brown; Harpers Ferry raid October 16, 1859