Owner Comments:
Medal, 1900, AR, BRYAN CARTWHEEL SILVER DOLLAR, GORHAM MFG. Eastern United States, also known as a Bryan Comparative Dollar, and a SC$ HK-782, Schornstein-10. Rarity-7. NGC MS-61, Cert# 3608136-001. Obv. 10 straight lines of inscription ends GORMAN MFG. CO./ SILVERSMITHS. Rev. Cartwheel demonstrating the diameter of the existing silver dollar is placed under three concentric lines of legend contrasting gold and silver weights and values, unlike other Cartwheel reverses with blank outer fields. A sharply struck example of a remarkably rare and elusive type from the 1900 Presidential election. Ex Heritage 1/14, Lot 10809. History: William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925), lawyer, orator and political leader, was born in Salem, IL, and was graduated from Illinois College (1881). He practiced law at Janesville, IL, and later at Lincoln, NE. "Boy Orator of the Platte" and able debater, he was Democratic Congressman (1891-95). Bryan gained national recognition as leader of "free-silver" movement in 1893 as result of remarkable speech in opposition to repeal of silver clause of Sherman Act. He became allied with free-silver advocates in 1894 and ran for U.S. Senate on silver platform but was defeated. He was editor of Omaha World Herald, 1894-96, in which bimetallism was championed.