Every End He Aimed At, Was His Country's
Henry Clay is one of my favorite historical figures. He was an American attorney and statesman who represented Kentucky in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Clay served as the 7th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and served as the ninth U.S. secretary of state. He received electoral votes in the 1824, 1832, and 1844 presidential elections and helped found both the National Republican Party and the Whig Party. For his role in defusing sectional crises, he earned the appellation of the "Great Compromiser."
He has a fascinating history that is well worth digging in to. He was a major part of the political landscape of the early to mid-1800s. Interestingly he was the first person to lie in state at the Capitol rotunda after he passed in June of 1852. I don't think much happened on the national political stage in the first half of the 1800s that he wasn't involved with in some way.
One small part of my collection is medals and tokens that relate to Henry Clay. If you are wondering where the title of this blog came from check out the reverse of the 2nd medal.
Picture#1
1844 Henry Clay Campaign Medal, Dewitt HC-1844-6, MS62 NGC. White metal,
40 mm. Unlike most surviving examples, this one is holed for suspension at 12
o'clock. The high relief medal by Leonard features Henry Clay facing left with
the date, 1844, below. The reverse depicts industry and shipping. The brilliant
light gray surfaces are reflective and lightly toned.
From
The Rev. Dr. James G. K. McClure Collection.
Picture#2
Undated Henry Clay Life Medal -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. White
metal. Henry Clay was born in 1777 and died in 1852, and his death marked the
beginning of the end for the Whig Party in 19th century America. This white
metal piece exhibits minor cleaning lines and other trivial marks on each side,
retaining brilliant and reflective light gray surfaces.
Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Picture#3
(1840) Henry Clay, Brass, Low-192, HT-79, DeWitt MVB-1840-1, R.2, VF30 NGC. This
Choice VF token has trivial handling marks on its light tan surfaces with
mahogany peripheries.
Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Picture#4
1850 HENRY CLAY COMPROMISE COPPER BRONZED MEDAL BY
CC WRIGHT
Diameter: 89.3mm
Picture#5
1852 Henry Clay Personal Medal NGC MS64BN
Category: U.S. Mint Medals - Julian
Mint: Philadelphia
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 76mm
Edge: Plain
Sources:
Wikipedia
ha.com
my head
Comments
Longstrider
Level 6
Very nice blog. Makes me want to learn more about him. Beautiful medals. Thank you.
"SUN"
Level 6
Great Blog! I love reading about early politicians.
It's Mokie
Level 6
Thanks for sharing your research and knowledge of Mr. Clay. Those medals are wonderful and I have learned a thing or two more.
coinsbygary
Level 5
What a fantastic collection of historical medals from the earlier days of our republic! Henry Clay's contributions can't be understated.
Mike
Level 7
Talented and very knowledgeable. He also knew how to debate. I think he would crush the candidates today. I fed up on him about a year ago. Thanks for bringing back the memeories.
Golfer
Level 5
Very nice Medals. With so many medals being posted lately, I am really looking forward to the next few coin shows to see if I can find any. Thanks for the post on Henry Clay. Always nice to learn about people in history. thanks
Long Beard
Level 5
A fascinating individual indeed. Very nice medals.