IMAGES FROM POLITICAL BADGE AND MEDAL COLLECTION
The list of political candidates and campaigns below on your computer screen are linked to photo gallery pages providing a visual survey of political badges and medals. Clicking on one of the smaller images will switch the screen to a larger image of the selected item. Additions to the images will be highlighted in the New Acquisitions page. The images include both common and rare items from my collection, ranging in value from $25 to $5,000+.
19th century political badges were often manufactured for sale to avid supporters. For an example of an advertising broadside for 1868 badges, click here.
Numbering references (e.g., 1828-1) are to Ed Sullivan's book American Political Badges and Medalets 1789-1892 (Quarterman Publications, Inc.; 1981).
Items designated as "Rare" are rarely if ever seen in the marketplace and in some cases may be unique. Items designated as "Scarce" are seen infrequently. The rarity designation does not take into account the metal (e.g., silver) of the medal -- most silver political medals are "Rare". Silver, copper and brass medals (usually in that order) are generally more desirable and valuable than white metal versions. The value of an item is determined by its condition, desirability, rarity and demand. A common Lincoln ferrotype may be worth several times more in the marketplace than a rare Martin Van Buren medal. Badges (e.g., ferrotypes, sulphides and shells) are generally more widely collected than medals.