1860 Campaign Medal Dewitt-SD-1860-8 Brass Stephen A Douglas NGC MS63

Key Features

• Subject & Theme:
  • Stephen A. Douglas: The medal features the likeness or related symbolism of Stephen A. Douglas, the prominent Illinois senator and the Democratic candidate in the 1860 presidential race against Abraham Lincoln. Douglas’s campaign and his role in debates on slavery and popular sovereignty left an indelible mark on American political history.
  • Campaign Context: The medal commemorates the 1860 campaign, reflecting the turbulent political climate on the eve of the Civil War.
• Material & Construction:
  • Brass Composition: Struck in brass, the medal is a durable, non-precious metal item typical of many 19th-century campaign medals.
  • Designation “Dewitt-SD-1860-8”:
    • The “SD” in the designation stands for Stephen A. Douglas.
    • “1860” denotes the campaign year.
    • The additional code “Dewitt-…8” may reference either the designer, a particular die variety, or a specific issue within a series. Such markings help collectors identify and classify the medal.
• Size & Presentation:
  • While the precise diameter is not provided in the designation, campaign medals from this period are typically modest in size (ranging roughly from 30mm to 40mm) and were produced for public distribution or as tokens of support.
• Grading:
  • NGC MS63:
    • The medal has been graded as Mint State 63 by the NGC
    • MS63 indicates that the medal is in an uncirculated condition for a cast or struck piece of this age, with only minor contact marks or handling imperfections. Despite some wear, the design details and overall presentation are well preserved.

Historical Context

• The 1860 Presidential Election:
  • The election of 1860 was one of the most consequential in U.S. history, setting the stage for the Civil War. Stephen A. Douglas was one of the key candidates and was known for his advocacy of popular sovereignty regarding slavery in the territories.
• Campaign Medals:
  • During the 19th century, it was common for political campaigns to produce medals or tokens to rally supporters and commemorate the campaign. These items were not official currency but served as memorabilia that captured the spirit and issues of the time.
• Collectible Importance:
  • Medals like this one provide tangible insight into the political culture of the era. They not only represent the candidate but also offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and design trends of the mid-1800s.

Conclusion

The 1860 Campaign Medal “Dewitt-SD-1860-8 Brass Stephen A. Douglas” NGC MS63 is a fascinating collectible that encapsulates an important moment in American political history. It commemorates Stephen A. Douglas’s role in the dramatic events of 1860 and serves as a tangible link to the era’s political and social turmoil. Its brass construction, distinctive variety marking, and the relatively high MS63 grade make it a noteworthy item for collectors of campaign medals, American political memorabilia, and 19th-century numismatics.