Imagine the complains if the U.S. Mint issued this piece during a current presidential election!

BillJones

Here is one of those unusual overlaps between a 19th century political token and a U.S. Mint product. The Philadelphia Mint struck these pieces DURING the 1864 presidential campaign (August 27 through October). They were made in gold (29), silver (as many as 700 + 200 the day before the Lincoln assassination) plus and undisclosed number of pieces in copper. This piece is listed as AL 1864-70 in DeWitt and as PR-35 (presidential) in Julian's book on 19th century mint medals.

The reverse reads, "Abraham Lincoln an honest man / the crisis demands his re-election, 1864." It is interesting to note that the same slogan was used on a James Buchanan medalet for the 1856 election.

Talk about contrasts! Most historians rate Lincoln as the greatest president while Buchanan comes in as the worst in most polls. Of course you need momentous events, like a war or most especially a civil war to get a chance to be great. Otherwise you might just end up as "average" or "near great."

Making the failure grade is easier, but Buchanan had the added problem of serving during a time when perhaps a civil war was the only solution. The southern slaveholders were not about to give up without a fight.

Overdate

What were the circumstances behind the Mint striking the Lincoln medal? Were the Buchanan medals struck by the Mint also?

epcjimi1

@BillJones said:

The Philadelphia Mint struck these pieces DURING the 1864 presidential campaign (August 27 through October).>

Aug 27 - October for a campaign.

:thumbsup

When you think about the newspaper communication of the time, a coin like this is not a surprise, struck by the US Mint is a surprise.

BillJones

@Overdate said:
What were the circumstances behind the Mint striking the Lincoln medal? Were the Buchanan medals struck by the Mint also?

Actually this was in 1864 when Lincoln was running against George McClellan. Buchanan was back in Pennsylvania trying to regain his reputation, which he was never able to do. I am sorry that I might have confused you with the1856 Buchanan piece.

As for the circumstances, well there was a Civil War and the Republicans and the Lincoln campaign were able to get away with it. Lincoln was good man, but he was a politician and not saint.

Here is one of the many McClellan pieces that were issued during the 1864 campaign. The slogan on the reverse, "The Constitution as it is," is the last part of longer Democratic Party position: "The Union as it was, (united), the Constitution as it is," (with slavery still intact). After almost four years of war, some Democrats just didn't get it. Slavery started the Civil War, and it would have end if the country was to be united again.

messydesk

One reason the Mint would never be able to produce this today is that it would take more than 4 years to get the final design approved.

keets

John, that's the POTD!!!

ricko

"One reason the Mint would never be able to produce this today is that it would take more than 4 years to get the final design approved." That is hilarious... but sadly, true... Those are great tokens Bill...Thanks for sharing them....Cheers, RickO

asheland

Interesting thread.

RogerB

The McClellan medal was designed by William Key - later an assistant engraver at the Philadelphia Mint

BillJones

Key was a top notch die maker. It's shame he couldn't have "stayed private" made more interesting pieces, but I imagine that the employment economics of the time, after the Civil War, pushed his talents to the mint.

kaz

Great thread and history, Bill. thanks

sellitstore

Thanks for the interesting thread, Bill.

The crisis was impending for Buchanan's election while it was current and unfolding for Lincoln's second run.

Meltdown

I love reading these type of posts, nice medals too!