(1865) Medal King-245 Copper Lincoln-Democracy Tribute

Coin Details

Description

This copper medal cataloged as King-245 is a Lincoln memorial piece depicting the martyred president in association with the theme of democracy. King-245 is a catalog number in Robert King's comprehensive reference on Abraham Lincoln medals, which documents hundreds of varieties produced in the wake of his assassination on April 14, 1865. The "Democracy Tribute" theme connects Lincoln's legacy to the preservation of democratic government — the cause for which the Civil War was fought and for which Lincoln gave his life. Lincoln's assassination, coming just days after Lee's surrender at Appomattox, transformed him from a controversial wartime leader into a martyred saint of American democracy, generating an outpouring of memorial medals, tokens, badges, and commemorative pieces unprecedented in American history. This copper example is part of that memorial tradition, documenting the nation's grief and its determination to honor Lincoln's sacrifice. The copper composition indicates this was intended for general distribution rather than the premium collector or presentation market served by silver and gold versions.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Lincoln memorial medals in the King catalog vary in rarity, and King-245 in copper is an uncommon variety.

Cross References

PCGS #606949; King-245; Abraham Lincoln Memorial Medal