William Bryan Campaign Button, 1896, 1900
Add to SetSummary
In the late 1890s, many Democrats, Populists and Western-state Republicans, campaigned for the unlimited coinage of silver at a 16 to 1 ratio -- 16 ounces of silver to 1 ounce of gold. Proponents believed that this policy would inflate prices, make money readily available, relieve debt and boost a depressed economy. William Jennings Bryan used this popular catchphrase in both his campaigns against William McKinley. He lost.
In the late 1890s, many Democrats, Populists and Western-state Republicans, campaigned for the unlimited coinage of silver at a 16 to 1 ratio -- 16 ounces of silver to 1 ounce of gold. Proponents believed that this policy would inflate prices, make money readily available, relieve debt and boost a depressed economy. William Jennings Bryan used this popular catchphrase in both his campaigns against William McKinley. He lost.
Artifact
Button (Information artifact)
Date Made
1896-1900
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
72.31.280
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Celluloid (Cellulosic)
Tin (Metal)
Paper (Fiber product)
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Diameter: 1.25 in
Inscriptions
Back has paper inserted printed: PIN BACK / PAT. APRIL 14, 1896. / THE WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO. / BADGES / FLAGS / BANNERS / NEWARK, N.J. On the front: "WM. J. BRYAN/ 16 TO 1/FREE COINAGE"
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