1876 Bronze Medal DeWitt RBH 1876-5, Pierced Hayes & Wheeler Campaign

Coin Details

Description

This pierced bronze campaign medal for the Hayes & Wheeler ticket from the 1876 election is cataloged as DeWitt RBH 1876-5. William A. Wheeler of New York was Hayes's running mate, a congressman so obscure that Hayes reportedly remarked "Who is Wheeler?" upon learning of his selection. The piercing indicates this medal was modified for wearing as a campaign badge. The 1876 campaign was conducted during a severe economic depression — the Panic of 1873 and its aftermath had produced widespread unemployment, deflation, and social unrest that severely damaged the Republican Party's popularity after years of dominance. The Democrats had already won control of the House of Representatives in 1874, and the 1876 presidential election appeared to complete their return to national power. Hayes's campaign focused on his personal integrity and reform credentials as a contrast to the corruption scandals that had plagued Grant's second term. This pierced bronze medal documents a campaign that, despite its seemingly mundane character, produced one of the most consequential constitutional crises in American history.

Rarity Notes

Pierced bronze campaign medal from 1876. DeWitt RBH 1876-5. Hayes & Wheeler ticket. Pierced for wearing. Moderate scarcity.

Cross References

PCGS #964649; DeWitt RBH 1876-5; 1876 Presidential Election; Rutherford B. Hayes; William Wheeler