Lot 1748
1897. PCGS graded MS-62+. Frosty and untoned. America's bi-metallic money system called for silver to be valued at a ratio of 16:1 with gold. Since much silver was being produced out west by the silver states in the 1870s, 1880s and 1890s, there was a big political push with both the farm states and the silver states together lobbying for the proposed bi-metallic plan. The presidential election of 1896 that returned McKinley to office in 1897 was about two main issues; silver and American imperialism. During the election William McKinley sat on his front porch in Ohio and lectured delegations from around the country while William Jennings Bryan whistle-stopped across Middle America. Bryan claimed that mankind was being crucified on a "cross of gold". Bryan said the existing gold standard was being forced upon the common man by the big Eastern bankers. He campaigned forcefully for a bi-metallic monetary system (easy money) and against imperialism, but McKinley won the election and the gold standard held firm (PCGS # 9031) .
Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600.
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| Realized $1,668 |
