1865 Medal Lincoln Broken Column King-247 White Metal

Coin Details

Description

This 1865 white metal medal, cataloged as King-247, features the iconic Broken Column Lincoln mourning design. Produced in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865, mourning medals became some of the most widely distributed numismatic products of the nineteenth century. The broken column motif — a classical symbol of a life cut short — was one of the most powerful designs among the hundreds of Lincoln mourning medals produced after his death. The King catalog number places this within the comprehensive reference for Lincoln tokens, medals, and related pieces. White metal, a tin-based alloy, was the most affordable composition for mourning medals, allowing broad distribution to a grieving public that demanded keepsakes commemorating the martyred president. Lincoln mourning medals represent one of the largest spontaneous outpourings of popular grief expressed through numismatic products in American history, with hundreds of die varieties produced by mints and private die-sinkers across the entire country within weeks of the assassination.

Rarity Notes

King-247, white metal. Lincoln Broken Column mourning medal, 1865. One of hundreds of mourning medal varieties. Moderate availability.

Cross References

PCGS #521758; King-247; Lincoln Broken Column Medal, White Metal; Assassination April 14, 1865