1860 Token DeWitt AL-1860-34 Brass Abraham Lincoln Campaign

Coin Details

Description

This brass campaign token for Abraham Lincoln from the 1860 election is cataloged as DeWitt AL-1860-34, an earlier-numbered variety in the extensive Lincoln series. Lower DeWitt numbers generally indicate varieties that were more widely distributed or more commonly encountered when the catalog was compiled, though this is not an absolute rule. Lincoln's 1860 campaign material presents a fascinating record of how the candidate was portrayed to the public — campaign tokens variously emphasized his frontier origins, his legal career, his Republican principles, his wit, and his physical appearance. The brass composition provided an attractive golden color at moderate cost, making these tokens suitable for both pocket carry and display. Lincoln's campaign was managed from Springfield, Illinois, where he maintained a dignified silence in accordance with the custom that presidential candidates should not actively campaign on their own behalf. Instead, surrogate speakers, newspaper editors, and the Wide-Awake organization carried his message to the electorate, and campaign tokens served as portable reminders of the Republican cause between rallies and events.

Rarity Notes

Brass campaign token from 1860. DeWitt AL-1860-34. Earlier DeWitt number indicates wider production. Lincoln 1860 tokens are the foundation of any political Americana collection.

Cross References

PCGS #890981; DeWitt AL-1860-34; 1860 Presidential Election; Abraham Lincoln