Andrew Jackson Token "Hero Of New Orleans"

to CC forum

Welcome to the family! Someone knowledgeable in this field should chime in shortly. Interesting
Piece. Hope you get the answer you're looking for.

This item is classified as an early American political medalet - small medal. It's listed in Edmund B. Sullivan's book: "American Political Badges and Medalets, 1789-1892." Sullivan lists three varieties of this medalet, differentiated by the placement of similar devices in the design. Sullivan gives the following info:

"TENTH ELECTION - 1824 .... The inauguration of John Quincy Adams as President was commemorated by the issuance of a medalet but out of this lively campaign another idea was born. Henceforth, the image of a candidate or a slogan that would be likely to appeal to the voter was manufactured as an article of personal adornment (badge)for the purpose of attracting voters to that candidate. Three varieties of medalets, suggested by the Congressional Medal awarded to Jackson for the victory at New Orleans, were struck as campaign badges in an effort to elect Andrew Jackson to the presidency. Undoubtedly, they were made in Waterbury (CT)."

The subject medalet, a.k.a. "oddball token", appears to be Sullivan No. AJACK 1824-2 which has a reeded edge and was struck in brass. The condition is better than most that this exonumist, a.k.a. "oddball collector", has seen. Therein lies the value as these medalets are not particularly rare; this, to my experience. I've seen some of these that were silver-washed. Then too, these have cross-collecting appeal for those who seek early, political items or Jacksonian collectibles.

IMHO, the dealer's offer of $150 was a reasonable, wholesale offer. Sure, such a medalet in this condition could realize maybe twice that amount in a specialized, "oddball" auction, but seller fees would would apply, and there's always the possibility that the PR, price realized, would be far less. Overall, it comes down to a roll of the dice, unless one can locate one medalet-motivated oddball.

Glad to be of help, andyjacksontken. A cool medalet, it is. This item could form the nucleus of an Andy Jackson collection. Just think of all the other tokens and paper money items you could add. There are some very affordable Hard Times and Civil War tokens, depicting this popular General-turned-President.

Regarding storage, you might look at some of my other posts and/or do a site-search for info on the use of acetone for cleaning/conservation - my preferred method. Most collectors of tokens/medals tend to shun slabbing. I have mixed feelings on the subject. Personally, I prefer SEGS certification; particularly, for the quality holders they offer - IMHO, the best. I lean toward slabbing rare varieties and errors. Avoid using older flips and holders that have contaminants, like PVC, sulfur, etc.