Political campaign token for probably the election of 1896. Commonly grouped with other items and collectively known as Bryan Money. One of the major debates of that election was the question of the gold standard or the return to bimetallism. Bryan was on the side of bimetalism and most Bryan Money was issued by the gold standard folks. This piece is a two position piece. In the position shown it reads on one side "Sound Money means a dollar worth 100 cents" and lists the gold standard candidates. On the other side the eagle is standing proud with wings outstretches and it says "I'm flying high." I believe the loop slides into another position and then it reads Bimetallism means a dollar worth 40 cents." and shows the Bimetallism candidates. On the other side the eagles head is drooped down to the right and the wing is down by the talons. The inscription reads "I feel sick." Bryan Money is very collectible and have some pieces have very high prices. I believe this is one of the more common pieces but I still would not be surprised if it is worth into three figures.
WOW. Now THAT is cool! And fascinating history, Conder. Never heard of such, now I've got a topic to read about this morning with my coffee.
This specimen isn't listed as a Bryan Dollar in either edition of the SCD book. What is its diameter? Bryan Dollars were typically 49mm-52mm with two exceptions that were 38mm struck in silver. Most of the Bryan Dollars lacked a rim, and none are shown having a denticled rim. Most of the Bryan Dollars were produced by Tiffany & Co. and Gorham Mfg. Silversmiths, so I'm guessing that this piece was made by another firm that may have supported Bryan's cause. Chris
It probably isn't in the SCD book because it really isn't a token or medal. It probably is listed in the bryan Money book but I don't have a copy. And Bryan Money was not produced by the supporters of Bryan, they were produced by the sound money supporters.
Hey conder do you have any links where I can learn more about this I tried googling but got nowhere fast.
I know I'm not conder, but I had the same issue...apparently, there's a musician of some note who happens to be named "Bryan Dollar", so it clutters up the results. After a bit of narrowing down, however, I was able to find the following....they should make at least a good starting point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bimetallism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Silver http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Jennings_Bryan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Gold_speech http://en.allexperts.com/q/Coin-Collecting-2297/2009/11/Bryan-Dollar-1.htm
Try adding other terms to the search field such as Bryan Money coins 1896. Using that I found a link to a University collection of political memorabilia that has an example of your piece. Googling the phrase on the back "Sound money means a dollar worth 100 cents" lead me to a Heritage auction from 2008 where they sold one of them. It brought $95. http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1100&lotNo=29197
