(1880) Medal DeWitt USG 1880-1 Brass U.S. Grant Campaign

Coin Details

Auction Record

$80 MS62BN 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass campaign medal for U.S. Grant from 1880 is cataloged as DeWitt USG 1880-1, documenting Grant's attempt to win an unprecedented third presidential term. After leaving office in 1877, Grant had embarked on a two-year world tour that restored his public image and positioned him for a political comeback. The "Stalwart" faction of the Republican Party, led by Senator Roscoe Conkling, promoted Grant as their candidate against reformer James Blaine and dark-horse James Garfield. Grant led on the first ballot at the Republican convention but could not break through to a majority, and after 36 ballots the convention turned to Garfield as a compromise candidate. This brass medal documents the Grant-for-president movement of 1880, the most serious attempt at a third presidential term before Franklin Roosevelt's successful 1940 campaign. The DeWitt USG 1880-1 designation as the first cataloged variety indicates this was among the more widely distributed Grant 1880 pieces. Grant's failure to secure the nomination reflected the Republican Party's internal divisions between Stalwarts and reformers.

Rarity Notes

Brass campaign medal from 1880. DeWitt USG 1880-1. Grant third-term bid material. Grant was denied the nomination after 36 ballots. Moderate scarcity.

Cross References

PCGS #660261; DeWitt USG 1880-1; 1880 Presidential Election; U.S. Grant third-term bid