1859 Token DeWitt-SL-1859-1 Silver John Brown

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,020 MS61 03-31-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silver token from 1859, cataloged as DeWitt SL-1859-1, is the most prestigious composition variant of the John Brown commemorative piece, also known in copper (PCGS #903756) and white metal (PCGS #528373). Silver strikings of political tokens were always produced in small quantities due to the material cost, and a silver John Brown token represents a significant expression of antislavery conviction by both its producer and its original purchaser. In the heated political atmosphere of 1859-1860, owning a silver medal commemorating John Brown was a bold statement of solidarity with the most radical wing of the antislavery movement. Brown's legacy was fiercely contested during the 1860 presidential campaign — Democrats attempted to link Lincoln and the Republicans to Brown's violent methods, while Republicans carefully distanced themselves from Brown personally while agreeing with his opposition to slavery. The silver composition gives this token both numismatic and precious-metal value, making it one of the most desirable pieces in the pre-Civil War political series.

Rarity Notes

Silver token from 1859. DeWitt SL-1859-1. Rare silver variant of the John Brown piece. Precious-metal political tokens from this era command significant premiums.

Cross References

PCGS #800219; DeWitt SL-1859-1 (silver); John Brown; Harpers Ferry