Campaign Button Value & Price Guide

Campaign buttons represent a vibrant intersection of American political history and graphic design, serving as wearable artifacts of past presidential races. These collectibles allow enthusiasts to own a tangible piece of the democratic process, ranging from the early lithographs of the 1900s to the iconic slogans of the mid-century.

Price Range: $20 - $28 based on recent sales

History of Campaign Button

The evolution of the campaign button began with metal tokens and sewing buttons used during George Washington's inauguration, but the modern era truly started with the patenting of celluloid in 1896. This innovation allowed for high-quality photographic images and vibrant colors to be mass-produced cheaply, leading to the golden age of political pinbacks seen in the McKinley and Roosevelt era. Over the decades, these items transitioned from simple nameplates to sophisticated marketing tools featuring catchy slogans and stylized portraits. While the rise of television and digital media shifted campaign budgets elsewhere, the physical button remains a staple of grassroots organizing and a primary target for political memorabilia collectors worldwide.

Value Factors for Campaign Button

The typical price range for Campaign Button is $20 - $28 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of the candidate pairing, such as short-lived third-party runs or specific vice-presidential combinations.
• The presence of iconic slogans or high-quality lithographic portraits rather than simple text-only designs.
• Physical condition, specifically the absence of surface scratches, fading from sunlight, or 'foxing' spots.
• Historical significance of the specific election cycle, with high demand for pivotal years like 1900, 1960, and 1968.

Tips for Buying Campaign Button

• Inspect the reverse side for a 'union bug' or manufacturer's mark, which helps verify authenticity and dating.
• Check for foxing or rust on the metal backing, as moisture damage can significantly decrease the button's long-term stability.
• Prioritize buttons with original celluloid covers that remain clear and free of cracks or yellowing.
• Be wary of modern reproductions of famous slogans like 'I Like Ike' by checking for contemporary printing dots versus period-accurate lithography.

Items in This Collection

• McKinley & Roosevelt Campaign Button
• I Like Ike Campaign Button
• Nixon Lodge Campaign Button
• Davis and Bryan Campaign Button
• Win With Wilson Campaign Button
• Stevenson Sparkman Campaign Button
• Johnson-Humphrey 1964 Campaign Button
• Herbert Hoover Campaign Button
• Jimmy Carter Campaign Button
• Nixon Agnew Campaign Button
• I Like Ike Campaign Buttons
• Truman Barkley Campaign Button
• Nixon Now Campaign Button
• Students for Kennedy Campaign Button
• John F. Kennedy Campaign Button
• George Wallace Presidential Campaign Button