(1860) Bronze Token DeWitt AL-1860-41 Railsplitter of the West

Coin Details

Auction Record

$432 MS62BN 08-11-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1860 bronze token, cataloged as DeWitt AL-1860-41, is one of the most recognized Abraham Lincoln campaign pieces, bearing the iconic "Railsplitter of the West" designation that became a defining image of Lincoln's 1860 presidential campaign. Lincoln's supporters promoted his frontier origins and manual labor background as evidence of his common-man credentials, and the rail-splitting image became the central motif of Republican campaign material. The obverse features Lincoln's beardless portrait — he did not begin growing his famous beard until after the election — with inscriptions identifying the Republican nominee. The reverse carries the "Railsplitter" imagery or slogans celebrating Lincoln's rise from frontier poverty to presidential candidacy. This bronze striking is the standard composition for the AL-1860-41 dies, which were among the most widely distributed of all Lincoln 1860 campaign tokens. The "Railsplitter" image originated at the 1860 Illinois Republican convention when Lincoln's cousin John Hanks carried two fence rails into the hall, claiming Lincoln had split them, creating an instant campaign narrative.

Rarity Notes

DeWitt AL-1860-41. Bronze composition. One of the most commonly encountered Lincoln 1860 campaign tokens. The "Railsplitter" series is a cornerstone of Lincoln political Americana collecting.

Cross References

PCGS #681783; DeWitt AL-1860-41; 1860 Presidential Election; Abraham Lincoln "Railsplitter"