John F. Kennedy Campaign Button Value Guide

This original 1960 John F. Kennedy campaign button is a quintessential piece of American political ephemera from one of the closest elections in history. Featuring a classic halftone portrait of JFK, these lithographed tin pins were vital tools used by the Democratic campaign to mobilize voters across the United States.

What affects the value of John F. Kennedy Campaign Button?

• Surface condition, specifically the presence of scratches, foxing, or rust on the lithographed tin.
• The vibrancy of the red and blue inks, as these can fade significantly if exposed to sunlight.
• The presence of original manufacturer stamps or union bugs which confirm 1960 authenticity.
• Overall structural integrity, including a straight and functional steel pinback wire.

How to Identify John F. Kennedy Campaign Button?

• Look for the high-quality halftone portrait of Kennedy set against a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme.
• Check for the original steel wire pinback mechanism on the reverse side of the tin shell.
• Verify the lithographed finish, which should be printed directly onto the metal rather than a paper insert under celluloid.
• Search for manufacturer marks on the curl, such as the Green Duck Company of Chicago.

History of John F. Kennedy Campaign Button

Produced for the 1960 United States presidential election, this button was a key piece of political ephemera used by the Democratic campaign. It features the iconic halftone portrait of JFK against a patriotic red, white, and blue background. These were manufactured in high volume by companies like the Green Duck Company of Chicago to mobilize voters in one of the closest elections in American history.