(1860) Token DeWitt AL-1860-38A White Metal Jos. H. Merriam Campaign

Coin Details

Description

This 1860 white metal campaign token, cataloged as DeWitt AL-1860-38A, is attributed to die sinker Joseph H. Merriam and represents a variant of the AL-1860-38 design produced for Abraham Lincoln's campaign. Merriam was one of several commercial die sinkers in the northeastern United States who produced campaign tokens on speculation or under contract to political committees during the 1860 election. The "A" suffix in the DeWitt catalog indicates a variant die — with a modified inscription, different spacing, or altered design elements that distinguish it from the standard AL-1860-38 dies. The attribution to Merriam identifies the manufacturer, providing important provenance information for this piece. Joseph H. Merriam operated in Boston and was known for producing tokens, store cards, and campaign pieces during the Civil War era. His campaign tokens are collected both for their political content and as examples of mid-nineteenth-century American medallic art from an identified maker, adding an extra dimension of interest beyond the standard anonymous campaign token production.

Rarity Notes

DeWitt AL-1860-38A. White metal. Attributed to Joseph H. Merriam, Boston die sinker. Variant of the AL-1860-38 dies. Maker-attributed tokens command interest from both political and Civil War token collectors.

Cross References

PCGS #968182; DeWitt AL-1860-38A; 1860 Presidential Election; die sinker Joseph H. Merriam