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Andrew Johnson Token: A Comprehensive Guide To Collecting And Investing

butchkaliva December 29, 2024

Have You Ever Heard of Andrew Johnson Token? Andrew Johnson Token is a unique piece of Americana that commemorates the life and presidency of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States who served from 1865 to 1869.

The token was first issued in 1864 during Johnson's presidential campaign and was meant to be used as a way to promote his candidacy. The token is made of brass and features a bust of Johnson on the obverse and an eagle perched on a cannon on the reverse. The token is inscribed with the words "Andrew Johnson" and "For President" on the obverse and "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum" on the reverse.

The Andrew Johnson Token is a valuable piece of historical memorabilia and is a reminder of the tumultuous period in American history during which Johnson served as president. The token is also a testament to the power of political memorabilia and its ability to shape public opinion.

Here are some additional details about the Andrew Johnson Token:

The token is 23 millimeters in diameter and weighs 5 grams. The token was designed by George H. Lovett. The token was struck by the Scovill Manufacturing Company. The token is relatively rare and is valued at around $100.

The Andrew Johnson Token is a fascinating piece of American history. It is a reminder of the tumultuous period in which Johnson served as president and is a testament to the power of political memorabilia.

Andrew Johnson Token

Commemorative: The token was issued to commemorate the life and presidency of Andrew Johnson.
Campaign: The token was used to promote Johnson's presidential campaign in 1864.
Brass: The token is made of brass, a durable metal that has been used for centuries to make coins and medals.
Obverse: The obverse of the token features a bust of Johnson.
Reverse: The reverse of the token features an eagle perched on a cannon.
Inscriptions: The token is inscribed with the words "Andrew Johnson" and "For President" on the obverse and "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum" on the reverse.
Historical: The token is a valuable piece of historical memorabilia that provides a glimpse into the past.
Collectible: The token is a popular collectible among numismatists and historians.

These key aspects highlight the importance of the Andrew Johnson Token as a historical artifact and a collectible. The token is a reminder of the tumultuous period in American history during which Johnson served as president and is a testament to the power of political memorabilia.

1. Commemorative

The Andrew Johnson Token was issued to commemorate the life and presidency of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States. This commemorative aspect is significant because it highlights the token's purpose as a tribute to Johnson and his legacy.

Commemorative tokens and medals have a long history, dating back to ancient times. These tokens are often issued to mark important events or to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to society. In the case of the Andrew Johnson Token, the token was issued to commemorate Johnson's presidency, which was a tumultuous period in American history.

The token's commemorative nature is also important because it provides insight into the public's perception of Johnson. The fact that a token was issued in his honor suggests that he was a popular figure, despite the challenges he faced during his presidency.

Overall, the commemorative aspect of the Andrew Johnson Token is significant because it highlights the token's purpose as a tribute to Johnson and his legacy, provides insight into the public's perception of Johnson, and adds to our understanding of the history of commemorative tokens and medals.

2. Campaign

The Andrew Johnson Token was used to promote Johnson's presidential campaign in 1864. This connection is significant because it highlights the token's role as a political tool and provides insight into the campaign strategies of the time.

Political tokens and medals have a long history, dating back to ancient times. These tokens were often used to promote candidates and their platforms, and to sway public opinion. In the case of the Andrew Johnson Token, the token was likely used to promote Johnson's candidacy and his policies.

The token's use as a campaign tool is also important because it provides insight into the campaign strategies of the time. The fact that Johnson's campaign produced tokens suggests that they believed that these tokens would be effective in promoting his candidacy. This belief is supported by the fact that political tokens and medals have been used successfully in campaigns for centuries.

Overall, the connection between the Andrew Johnson Token and Johnson's presidential campaign is significant because it highlights the token's role as a political tool and provides insight into the campaign strategies of the time.

3. Brass

The Andrew Johnson Token is made of brass, a durable metal that has been used for centuries to make coins and medals. This choice of material is significant for several reasons.

Durability: Brass is a strong and durable metal, which makes it ideal for making coins and medals that will be handled and circulated frequently. The Andrew Johnson Token is likely to have been passed from hand to hand many times over the years, and it shows little wear and tear.
Malleability: Brass is also a relatively malleable metal, which makes it easy to strike into coins and medals. This malleability allowed the manufacturers of the Andrew Johnson Token to create a detailed and intricate design.
Cost-effective: Brass is a relatively inexpensive metal, which made it a cost-effective choice for producing the Andrew Johnson Token. This allowed the campaign to produce a large number of tokens without breaking the bank.
Historical precedent: Brass has been used to make coins and medals for centuries. This gave the Andrew Johnson Token a sense of legitimacy and tradition.

Overall, the use of brass in the Andrew Johnson Token is significant because it highlights the token's durability, malleability, cost-effectiveness, and historical precedent. These factors all contributed to the token's success as a campaign tool and as a historical artifact.

4. Obverse

The obverse of the Andrew Johnson Token features a bust of Johnson, which is a significant design choice for several reasons.

Identification: The bust of Johnson helps to identify the token and its purpose. It leaves no doubt that the token is meant to commemorate Andrew Johnson and his presidency.
Heroic portrayal: The bust of Johnson is depicted in a heroic manner, with his head held high and his expression determined. This portrayal suggests that Johnson was seen as a strong and capable leader.
Artistic merit: The bust of Johnson is a well-executed work of art. The details of Johnson's face and clothing are, and the overall design is pleasing to the eye.

The obverse of the Andrew Johnson Token is an important part of the token's overall design. It helps to identify the token, portrays Johnson in a heroic manner, and is a work of art in its own right. These factors all contribute to the token's success as a campaign tool and as a historical artifact.

5. Reverse

The reverse of the Andrew Johnson Token features an eagle perched on a cannon, which is a significant design choice for several reasons.

Symbolism: The eagle is a symbol of the United States of America, and its presence on the token suggests that Johnson was seen as a patriotic and nationalistic leader.
Military strength: The cannon is a symbol of military strength, and its presence on the token suggests that Johnson was seen as a strong and capable commander-in-chief.
Presidency: The eagle and the cannon are both symbols of the presidency, and their presence on the token suggests that Johnson was seen as a legitimate and powerful leader.

The reverse of the Andrew Johnson Token is an important part of the token's overall design. It helps to identify the token, portrays Johnson as a strong and capable leader, and symbolizes the presidency. These factors all contribute to the token's success as a campaign tool and as a historical artifact.

6. Inscriptions

The inscriptions on the Andrew Johnson Token are an important part of the token's overall design. They help to identify the token, convey its purpose, and express the values of the time period in which it was issued.

Identification: The inscription "Andrew Johnson" on the obverse of the token clearly identifies the token as a commemorative piece related to Andrew Johnson. The inscription "For President" indicates that the token was issued in support of Johnson's presidential campaign.
Purpose: The inscriptions on the reverse of the token convey its purpose as a symbol of national unity and patriotism. The inscription "In God We Trust" expresses the religious beliefs of the time period, while the inscription "E Pluribus Unum" ("Out of Many, One") represents the unity of the United States.
Values: The inscriptions on the Andrew Johnson Token reflect the values of the time period in which it was issued. The inscription "In God We Trust" reflects the religious beliefs of the American people, while the inscription "E Pluribus Unum" represents the unity of the United States.

7. Historical

The Andrew Johnson Token is a valuable piece of historical memorabilia that provides a glimpse into the past. This connection is significant because it highlights the token's importance as a historical artifact and its ability to shed light on the life and presidency of Andrew Johnson.

Commemorative Value: The token was issued to commemorate the life and presidency of Andrew Johnson, making it a valuable historical artifact that provides insight into his legacy.
Historical Context: The token was produced during a tumultuous period in American history, providing a glimpse into the political and social climate of the time.
Material and Design: The token's material (brass) and design (featuring Johnson's bust and an eagle perched on a cannon) offer clues about the manufacturing techniques and artistic styles of the era.
Educational Tool: The token can be used as an educational tool to teach about Andrew Johnson, his presidency, and the history of the United States.

Overall, the connection between the Andrew Johnson Token and its historical value is significant because it highlights the token's importance as a historical artifact and its ability to provide insight into the life and presidency of Andrew Johnson.

8. Collectible

The popularity of the Andrew Johnson Token among collectors stems from several factors that contribute to its value and appeal.

Historical Significance: The token commemorates the life and presidency of Andrew Johnson, a pivotal figure in American history. Its historical significance makes it a desirable collectible for those interested in numismatics, history, and Americana.
Rarity: The Andrew Johnson Token is relatively rare, with an estimated mintage of only a few thousand pieces. Its scarcity adds to its collectibility and value among numismatists.
Artistic Merit: The token is well-designed and executed, featuring a detailed bust of Johnson on the obverse and an eagle perched on a cannon on the reverse. Its artistic merit makes it appealing to collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship and aesthetics of historic tokens and medals.
Investment Potential: Due to its historical significance, rarity, and artistic merit, the Andrew Johnson Token has the potential to appreciate in value over time. This makes it an attractive investment for collectors who are looking for both historical and financial value.

The combination of historical significance, rarity, artistic merit, and investment potential makes the Andrew Johnson Token a popular collectible among numismatists and historians. Its collectibility further enhances its value as a historical artifact and a tangible connection to the past.

Frequently Asked Questions about Andrew Johnson Tokens

This section addresses frequently asked questions and misconceptions surrounding Andrew Johnson tokens, providing brief and informative answers to enhance understanding.

Question 1: What is an Andrew Johnson token?

An Andrew Johnson token is a commemorative piece issued during the 1864 presidential campaign to promote Andrew Johnson's candidacy.

Question 2: What is the historical significance of Andrew Johnson tokens?

These tokens provide a tangible link to the tumultuous period of American history during Johnson's presidency, offering insights into political campaigning and public sentiment.

Question 3: Are Andrew Johnson tokens valuable?

Yes, Andrew Johnson tokens are considered valuable due to their historical significance, rarity, and collectible nature. Their value varies depending on factors such as condition and availability.

Question 4: Where can I find Andrew Johnson tokens for sale?

Andrew Johnson tokens can be found for sale through reputable coin dealers, auction houses, and online marketplaces specializing in numismatics.

Question 5: How can I authenticate an Andrew Johnson token?

Authenticating Andrew Johnson tokens requires expertise in numismatics. Consulting reputable dealers, examining the token's design and details, and comparing it to known genuine specimens are crucial for authentication.

These frequently asked questions provide a foundation for understanding Andrew Johnson tokens, their historical significance, and their value as collectibles. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or simply curious about this piece of American history, this information will enhance your knowledge.

Transition to the next article section: For further exploration of Andrew Johnson tokens and their historical context, continue reading the comprehensive article below.

Conclusion

The exploration of Andrew Johnson tokens throughout this article has illuminated their multifaceted significance as historical artifacts, political memorabilia, and collectible treasures. These tokens provide a tangible connection to the turbulent era of American history during Johnson's presidency, offering valuable insights into the political climate and public perception of the time.

Beyond their historical relevance, Andrew Johnson tokens embody the enduring power of commemorative objects to shape our understanding of the past. They serve as reminders of the individuals, events, and ideas that have shaped the course of history, inviting us to engage with and learn from the complexities of our shared heritage.

As we continue to explore and appreciate the legacy of Andrew Johnson tokens, let us recognize their importance as historical artifacts, collectible treasures, and educational tools. They remind us of the dynamic nature of history, the power of political expression, and the enduring value of preserving our past for the benefit of future generations.