Collecting Political Numismatics

In his book Collecting Political Americana, Edmund Sullivan makes the following observation: “In my opinion, medallic art is the highest aesthetic form to be found in political Americana. Numismatists have long appreciated the subtle tones and shades that enhance silver coinage and mellow copper and bronze, as well as the evident craftsmanship that can make medallic art a genuine creative expression. But more to the point is the fact that this category is one of the most underrated by political collectors. Very fine and often rare pieces can be acquired at reasonable prices.”

I couldn't agree more. Before the advent of the more cheaply produced pinback buttons towards the end of the 19th century, political tokens and medals were the most prolific form of political campaigning, often holed so that they could be worn (and a rare instance in numismatics where a holed example is worth no more or less than an unholed example).

Most 19th century political “exonumia” (the term used for the collecting of medallic items that resemble coins, such as tokens, medals, ferrotytpes, etc.) issued for presidents and presidential campaigns starting around the time of the Andrew Jackson administration is readily available, with some notable exceptions: Lewis Cass in 1848 and James Polk in 1844. Nice examples of William Henry Harrison tokens can still be found for under $50. A large variety of George Washington tokens and medals hailing his accomplishments were produced before his death and can be found at the $300+ level. For those of you interested in Washington exonumia, I urge you to get a copy of Medallic Portraits of Washington by Russell Rulau and George Fuld, readily available on Amazon.com for around $20.

There are restrikes, and to a lesser extent reproductions, so beware. Restrikes (many of which were struck in the 1860's) can be very deceptive, and the difference between a restrike and an original can be very subtle. The best source for identifying restrikes is J. Doyle Dewitt's A Century of Campaign Buttons 1789-1889, or the updated version of Dewitt's book by Edmund B. Sullivan – American Political Badges and Medalets 1789-1892. Both books are out of print, difficult to obtain, but an absolute must for the serious collector of political numismatics. If you can find a copy of either for under $250, grab it.

One final note – for those of you who are numismatists, you understand that a coin worth $25 in average, circulated condition, could be worth hundreds (or even thousands) in high grade uncirculated or proof condition. Political exonumia has been slow to follow this trend, and I have felt for a long time that high grade, choice specimens are sorely undervalued.

Of course, political auctions and political collectors' shows are your best sources to obtain political tokens and medals, but make it a point to regularly hit your local coin shop or coin show.

Collecting political numismatics is a challenging endeavor – that probably won't break the bank. Enjoy our current listings and keep checking back for new selections in political exonumia.