3417

Bryan Money (2) [204428]

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
Bryan Money (2) [204428]
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Two examples of the coins made during the Free Silver political debates of 1896: 1) Bryan Money, 1896. This is a large political satirical medal from the presidential campaign of 1896. It reads "Bryan's Money / (Liberty head / 1896 (flanked by eight stars) // Bryan's Idea of Coinage (around the rim) / Nit Aber 16 to 1 (around spread-wing eagle)." Cast metal, 88mm (nearly 3 .5 -inches) in diameter, little wear, a few casting flaws, perhaps very fine.

Advocates of free silver wanted the government to accept all silver bullion presented to it and to return it, struck into coin, at the historic value ratio between gold and silver of 16 to 1. This would restore a practice abolished in 1873. By 1893, Bryan had become a leading supporter of free silver. A year later, he announced he would not seek re-election to the House of Representatives. Instead, Bryan looked to the presidency. In 1896 he became the Democratic nominee against Republican William McKinley. During his strong campaign against McKinley, he produced many cast and struck medals supporting his strong beliefs in 16 to 1 ratio for silver coinage. However, Bryan lost the election, and production of the then-current silver dollar was suspended eight years later. Douglas McDonald Collection.

2) Bryan Money, United Snakes of America, 1896. Here is an example of William Bryan's political campaign medals. This is struck, 45mm, featuring "United Snakes of America (around rim) / In Bryan We Trust (perhaps an 1896 supporter scratched "N I T" below) / (snake morphed into a donkey) // Free Silver / One / Dam / 1896." Perhaps XF.
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Provenance: Douglas McDonald Collection