(c.1860) Medal Satterlee-238 White Metal James Buchanan Residence

Coin Details

Description

This white metal medal from circa 1860, cataloged as Satterlee-238, depicts the residence of James Buchanan at Wheatland — the same property shown on the bronze Satterlee-237 (PCGS #803554) but in a different die variety or composition. The white metal version provided an affordable alternative to the bronze medal, making the series accessible to a broader audience. The sequential Satterlee catalog numbers (237 and 238) for the same president's residence confirm that multiple varieties existed for at least some presidents in the series. Buchanan's Wheatland estate encompassed 22 acres and featured the main house, outbuildings, and gardens characteristic of a prosperous mid-nineteenth century Pennsylvania farm. The white metal composition would have been the more affordable option for collectors assembling a complete set of presidential residence medals. The Satterlee presidential residence series remains an important specialized collecting category within American political numismatics, offering architectural and biographical perspectives on the nation's leaders that complement the more common portrait medals and campaign tokens.

Rarity Notes

White metal medal, circa 1860. Satterlee-238. James Buchanan residence (Wheatland). White metal companion to bronze Satterlee-237.

Cross References

PCGS #817569; Satterlee-238; James Buchanan residence; Wheatland, Lancaster, Pennsylvania