1860 Token DeWitt-AL-1860-60 Brass Lincoln-Millions For Freedom Campaign

Coin Details

Auction Record

$260 MS61 04-08-2023 eBay

Description

This brass campaign token from the 1860 election, cataloged as DeWitt AL-1860-60, continues the "Millions For Freedom" theme associated with Lincoln's presidential campaign. The DeWitt AL-1860-60 catalog number indicates a distinct die combination from the AL-1860-59 type, though both share the freedom-related messaging. The proliferation of freedom-themed Lincoln tokens in the 1860 campaign reflects the centrality of the slavery issue to the Republican appeal. While the party's official platform focused narrowly on preventing slavery's expansion into the territories, campaign material like this token often expressed the broader antislavery sentiment that motivated rank-and-file Republicans. The brass composition was standard for campaign tokens intended for wide distribution. Lincoln's 1860 victory was achieved entirely through Northern electoral votes — he was not even on the ballot in ten Southern states — making it the first truly sectional presidential victory in American history. Campaign tokens bearing freedom slogans contributed to the Southern perception that Lincoln's election represented an existential threat to the institution of slavery, accelerating the secession movement that began with South Carolina's departure from the Union on December 20, 1860.

Rarity Notes

Brass campaign token from 1860. DeWitt AL-1860-60. "Millions For Freedom" theme. Moderate scarcity among the extensive Lincoln 1860 varieties.

Cross References

PCGS #544007; DeWitt AL-1860-60; 1860 Presidential Election; Abraham Lincoln; "Millions For Freedom"