No Date Token DeWitt-SD-1860-23 Copper-Ni Stephen A. Douglas Campaign

Coin Details

Description

This copper-nickel campaign token for Stephen A. Douglas from the 1860 election is cataloged as DeWitt SD-1860-23. The undated format indicates this token was produced during or after the 1860 campaign without a specific date inscription. The copper-nickel alloy is unusual for campaign tokens of this era, as most were produced in brass, copper, or white metal. Douglas's campaign was uniquely heroic in its final months — after Lincoln's election, Douglas set aside his partisan disappointment and toured the South urging loyalty to the Union, declaring "there can be no neutrals in this war, only patriots — or traitors." This exhausting speaking tour through hostile territory contributed to the decline in health that led to his death in June 1861. Campaign tokens for Douglas are collected both as 1860 election material and as Civil War-era artifacts, since Douglas's role in the secession crisis transcended ordinary partisan politics. The copper-nickel composition gives this token a distinctive appearance and places it among the less common composition variants of Douglas campaign material.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel campaign token, undated. DeWitt SD-1860-23. Unusual alloy. Douglas campaign material is scarce compared to Lincoln items from the same election.

Cross References

PCGS #946707; DeWitt SD-1860-23; 1860 Presidential Election; Stephen A. Douglas