A high quality trio of rare 1896 William Jennings Bryan Presidential Campaign so called "Bryan Money
Broadstruck
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A trio of scarcer of high quality 1896 William Jennings Bryan Presidential Campaign so
called "Bryan Money" issued during campaign rallies and struck or cast to replicate the scale of 16 to 1. All examples are fresh to the market after being in the same old time collection of just rarer varieties. Purchased separately if you can find them these would fetch close to $1,300.00. I don't want to split these up so priced at $995.00 for all 3 shipped.
The Gold Standard, Bimetallism, or 'Free Silver'
The bitter controversy surrounding the issues of "free silver" and "sound
money," so central to the 1896 campaign, has proved difficult for historians to
explain. Partisans on both sides made exaggerated claims of the impact monetary policy
could have on the nation's economic health. They implied that coinage of silver (on
Bryan's side) or adherence to the gold standard (on the Republican side) was the single
key to prosperity--and sometimes to the nation's honor.
Oddly, before 1896 both McKinley and Bryan had focused more attention on the tariff than
on currency issues. Despite his party's platform, McKinley sought to emphasize the tariff
and to avoid being labelled a "monometallist" or "bimetallist,"
leading to accusations of waffling. While he was a Congressman, Bryan allegedly once said
that "the people of Nebraska are for free silver, so I am for free silver. I will
look up the arguments later." His 1896 campaign became a free silver crusade.
Since the Civil War, a series of third parties had criticized Republicans' policy of
contracting the money supply. Lincoln's issue of Greenbacks, the first national paper
money, had helped finance the war but it also stimulated inflation. In subsequent
decades, national Republican leaders sought to withdraw the greenbacks until each dollar
had 100% backing in metal reserves. During the economic depressions of the 1870s and
1890s, in particular, this policy was roughly opposite to that which today's Federal
Reserve might pursue in an economic downturn. It drew criticism as tending to favor
bankers and lenders--who needed the value of a borrowed dollar to hold steady, or
increase, until it was repaid--and detrimental to borrowers and workers.
Heirs to the Greenback Party of the 1870s believed that paper money was the solution. In
post-war decades, however, the opening of vast silver veins (such as Nevada's Comstock
Lode) had sharply increased the nation's silver supply. To Silver Democrats, federal
coinage of silver (at a weight ratio of 16 ounces to 1 ounce of gold, hence the slogan
"16 to 1") was a moderate solution to the currency problem. After all, silver
was a precious metal, not mere paper. "Free silver" thus temporarily allowed a
spectrum of currency reformers--from Southern Democrats to Populists--to unite. To
horrified Gold Democrats and Republicans, "free silver" was an appeal for
cheaper dollars. It would cheat lenders of an honest return on their money, allowing
profligate borrowers to steal value from those who had extended loans.
Free silver at "16 to 1" would have expanded the money supply, but as a lone
measure it would hardly have solved the nation's economic woes, and it would have (as
Republicans argued) substantially raised the value of silver in relation to gold. Yet
adherence of 'sound money' was not solely--or even primarily--responsible for the
country's return to prosperity after 1896. To the extent that McKinley's victory
reassured investors and financial institutions, whose leaders were frightened of Bryan,
resolution of the issue may have had an indirect economic impact. After the campaign,
however, the currency question faded quite rapidly from political debate.
'Free silver' and 'sound money' may have been most important as shorthand slogans for
broader philosophies of finance and public policy, and opposing beliefs about justice,
order, and 'moral economy.' Cartoons and commentary from the campaign, focusing heavily
on the currency question, provide insights into these differing worldviews.
1.) 1896 Presidential Campaign Bryan Money One Dime AU Stuck in Iron. Usually seen in
white metal with raised rims or lead based pot metal weighing is at 20-30g this is the
considered very rare variety by Fred Schornstein as it's a hefty 51.5g example and only
the second of such I've been able to trace offered since 1996.
The following two large diameter $1 are high quality detailed early issued casts which unlike the later
issued poor casts most resemble the Morgan $1 used for commerce at the time.
2.) 1896 Presidential Campaign Bryan Money 89mm Diameter AU and holed for suspension as
usually seen. Cast from lead based pot medal with great detail and this example is the
closest of any so called Bryan Money which looks like a Morgan Dollar considered rare by
Fred Schornstein.
3.) 1896 Presidential Campaign Bryan Money 89mm Diameter AU and holed for suspension as
issued. Cast from lead based pot medal and this example is the most satirical and
most detailed design of the $1 Bryan Money. ABER 16 TO 1 NIT on the reverse stands for
"But 16 to 1 Not In Trust" Aber is German for the word But. Considered
extremely rare by Fred Schornstein.
General B/S/T Terms & Notes: PM me for more details -
Coins above will all ship at my expense.
Coins over $1K will be mailed via USPS Registered Mail Insured -or- Next Day Air Insured.
Coins less then $1K will be mailed via 1st Class USPS Mail Insured w/ Delivery Confirmation.
Payment Options = USPS or Bank Money Order, Cashiers Check, Personal Check, E Check, & Paypal (no fee % up-charge).
Trades at times depending on if of interest to me may be considered.
All Checks must clear prior to shipment.
7 Day full refund minus any associated shipping charges unless mentioned otherwise in the description.
Extended terms available if your Piggy Bank is skinny, or hurt and healing
As I can also offer extended 30-60-90 day terms, 1/3 down, no refund on layaway option.
A Reasonable Offer May Be Accepted on some items... the Key Word is Reasonable.
Full detailed in hand description on any of the items along with larger images available at request.
I'd greatly appreciate that posting of your most recent acquisition purchased from me on any forum board isn't done until the ink on the check is dry and you've happily received it.
I place a "On Hold" for three days max without a deposit on any item for members I've never dealt with, however if after this time period complete lack of responsive communication occurs, I reserve the right to offer the item to another active member.
Many Thanx in Advance!
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