(1861-65) Bronze Medal King-836, Lincoln Inaguration-Eureka, CA

Coin Details

Description

This bronze medal, cataloged as King-836, commemorates Abraham Lincoln's inauguration and was produced in Eureka, California, during the Civil War period (1861-1865). The King catalog number places this within the standard reference for Lincoln tokens and medals, which documents the extraordinary proliferation of medallic and numismatic products bearing Lincoln's image during and after the Civil War. The Eureka, California, origin is notable — the presence of a Lincoln inauguration medal from the remote Northern California coast demonstrates the nationwide reach of wartime patriotism and the commercial market for Lincoln memorabilia even in the most distant corners of the Union. Bronze was the standard composition for the many privately produced Lincoln tokens and medals that circulated during the Civil War, when the shortage of small change drove the creation of thousands of varieties of private tokens and medallets. This piece combines political commemoration with the Civil War token tradition.

Rarity Notes

King-836, bronze composition. Lincoln Inauguration medal from Eureka, California. Civil War era. Unusual western origin for Lincoln medal.

Cross References

PCGS #528337; King-836; Lincoln Inauguration Medal, Bronze; Eureka, California; 1861-1865