Loss of RBG is final nail in Democracy's coffin
William Jennings Bryan, Silver Issue, Spaulding, 1896

Owner Comments:

Medal, 1896, AR, BRYAN DOLLAR - SPAULDING & CO., S-17, HK-786, So Called Dollar, Uniface. Obv. In nine lines, first curved, others straight, A Government Dollar Contains / 412 1/2 Grains / Coin Silver 900/1000 Fine / This Piece Contains / 823 Grains Coin Silver / In Value the Equivalent of / One Gold Dollar / Sept. 16th 1896. / Spaulding & Co. No rim. Rv. Blank. 52mm. Schornstein 17. These medals were made by Eastern silversmiths during Presidential campaigns of 1896 and 1900. They were more dignified in tone than many contemporary pieces issued for the same purpose, as latter usually were struck in base metal and were most satirical of Bryan and his cause. These silver medals showed comparative size and ratio of a dollar struck at the then-current price of silver with what it would be like if free coinage were to rule. They are much more than mere political pieces as they bore direct reference to the silver controversy and, hence, to our national coinage. See more info on Gold/Silver Money Controversy during this time period for interesting history. Bryan ran for President 3 times, fighting for the silver interests.