US Political Campaign Buttons and Other Collectibles

Your Guide to the Political Collectibles Market

Politics is a bloodsport, and the artifacts it leaves behind are trophies from battles fought in smoke-filled rooms and on the broken backs of the American electorate. This upcoming auction is a high-stakes feeding frenzy, where desperate collectors will claw at relics from campaigns long buried—flags from forgotten candidates, buttons screaming half-mad slogans, and even memorabilia tied to actual assassination attempts.

But before you come knocking with your Trump buttons, hoping for a fat payday, let’s clear the air: they’re worthless. There are too many of them, and history hasn’t had time to sort the myth from the merchandise. Check back in a thousand years when archaeologists unearth them alongside fossilized Big Mac wrappers.

For now, if you want to know what’s actually valuable—or if you’re looking for the last great bargain before some Wall Street ghoul drives up the prices—then dive into our auction guide, and get ready to bid like your life depends on it.

2025 February 21 – 22 Heritage Auctions
The Roger Kimmel Collection Americana & Political Signature® Auction

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a slice of American political insanity—etched in fabric, tin, and brass—then this upcoming auction is your golden ticket. A feeding frenzy of collectors, history addicts, and deep-pocketed degenerates will descend like vultures on a buffet of political relics, clawing at rare campaign flags, caricature pins, and buttons featuring forgotten men who once believed they were destined to rule the free world.

But here’s the trick: not everything is out of reach. Sure, some high-rollers will throw down five-figure bids for the Holy Grails, but lurking in the chaos are bargains, waiting for the sharp-eyed and quick-fingered to snatch them up before some slob with a trust fund gets wise.

So grab a stiff drink, steady your nerves, and let’s break down the battlefield.

The Big-Money Bloodbath

These are the crown jewels—the ones that will send collectors into a frothing rage. If you’re in the market for bragging rights and don’t mind selling a kidney, these are the pieces that will go sky-high:

John Bell’s 1860 Campaign Flag

John Bell Campaign Flag. A piece of glazed cotton, no bigger than a place mat, inscribed with the solemn words: “For President, John Bell. For Vice President, Edward Everett. The Union and the Constitution.” A flag from the 1860 election—the last gasping breath of a political party that saw the Civil War coming but couldn’t decide what to do about it. The thing is vibrant, pristine, and will sell for the kind of money that could buy a decent used Porsche.

• Why It’s Big: This isn’t just a campaign flag—it’s a relic of America on the brink of war. The Constitutional Union Party was the last gasp of political fence-sitters who tried to hold the country together with good intentions and a vague slogan. The glazed cotton is pristine, and history nuts will go rabid for it.
• Estimated Price: Expect bidding to soar past $10,000, possibly hitting $15,000 if two lunatics get into a bidding war.
• Bargain Potential? None. If you have the cash, throw it down. Otherwise, move on.

Roosevelt & Fairbanks “20th Century Club” Jugate Button

This wasn’t just a button; this was the Holy Grail, a gleaming 1 ¾-inch vision of two smug Republican titans barreling toward Washington on a locomotive, promising a new age of industry and empire. It was America distilled into a single object: big, bold, and charging forward with reckless abandon. This exact button had sold for $18,750 in 2016.

• Why It’s Big: This train-themed 1904 campaign button is a monster—one of the most sought-after of the era. The last time it hit auction, it sold for $18,750.
• Estimated Price: Don’t expect to walk away with this for anything under $12,000-$15,000.
• Bargain Potential? Laughable. If you’re looking for deals, keep scrolling.

The “Watch and Wait” Buys

These pieces will still attract attention, but there’s a chance—just a chance—that you could walk away with one at a reasonable price while the sharks are fighting over the heavyweights.

Theodore Roosevelt “You Are A Crook” Caricature Pin

Theodore Roosevelt “You Are A Crook” caricature pin, a tiny 1 ¼-inch circle of fire that might as well have been branded onto the foreheads of every political operative in America. Roosevelt, all teeth and bombast, glaring at you from beyond the grave, declaring that if you weren’t with him, you were a crook. A relic of 1912, but still so painfully relevant you could slap it on a podium today and it would sell like fentanyl at a truck stop.

• Why It’s Big: A 1 ¼-inch tin firebomb from TR’s 1912 campaign, with his snarling face declaring, “If you are against ME, you are a crook.” Given the state of modern politics, this might be the most relevant campaign item up for grabs.
• Estimated Price: If the deep-pocketed Roosevelt collectors get distracted, you might swipe this for $1,500-$2,500, but it could climb as high as $4,000 if multiple bidders lock horns.
• Bargain Potential? Possible. Keep an eye on this one—if it starts slow, jump in.

Roosevelt, Fairbanks & James E. March Trigate Badge

But the real oddity of this auction is the Roosevelt, Fairbanks & James E. March Trigate Badge—a relic of an assassination attempt that somehow got turned into a collectible.

In 1904, a Republican lawyer named James March had been shot twice at a campaign event, yet here he was, immortalized in brass and silk like a saint in a Catholic cathedral.

A “Complimentary Excursion” to Greenwood Lake—with the added excitement of attempted murder. The violence of American politics boiled down into an artifact you could hang on your wall. The irony is overwhelming.

• Why It’s Big: The assassination badge. This one is pure historical weirdness—made to celebrate a political rally that turned into an actual crime scene. A badge marking a Republican shooting victim? That’s about as American as it gets.
• Estimated Price: Tough to say. Political badges don’t always hit stratospheric prices, but this one has an insane backstory. Could land between $2,500-$4,000.
• Bargain Potential? Yes. If the room is full of button purists, they might underestimate how crazy collectors can get over murder-adjacent memorabilia.

The Sneaky Steals

These are the items to watch carefully—if the heavy hitters soak up the bidding wars, you could walk away with a killer piece of history at a fraction of what it’s worth.

Roosevelt & Fairbanks “Pretzel Town” Jugate Button

• Why It’s Big: Because nothing screams Pennsylvania politics like a giant pretzel. The 1904 campaign button is a glorious bit of Americana—TR and Fairbanks peeking out from the doughy embrace of a Reading, PA pretzel. Utterly ridiculous, yet historically significant.
• Estimated Price: $5,000+. But… maybe lower.
• Bargain Potential? YES. This is weird enough that button collectors might dismiss it in favor of more “serious” campaign pins. If bidding stays sluggish, you could snag it for $3,500-$4,000.

Final Auction Strategy

1. Let the heavyweights bleed out first. The sharks will go nuts over the Bell flag and “20th Century Club” button—let them exhaust their war chests before making your move.
2. Watch for early hesitations. If a “You Are A Crook” pin or Pretzel Town button doesn’t get immediate action, pounce.
3. Stay calm. Political memorabilia auctions are feral environments—men with too much money and too little restraint will push prices into outer space. Don’t engage in bidding wars unless you’re dead serious.
4. Don’t sleep on the assassination badge. Someone will figure out how crazy its backstory is—but if they don’t? You win.

This auction is a minefield of history, greed, and blind nostalgia. Some items will sell for the price of a down payment on a house, while others might slip through the cracks, waiting for a collector with sharp instincts and a healthy dose of luck.

The hammer is ready to fall, and if you play your cards right, you might walk away with a piece of American history for less than a trip to Vegas.

Just remember: bid wisely, and don’t let the bastards outbid you without a fight.

James Buchanan: The Ghost Flag of 1856

Among the holy relics of American political memorabilia, few are more coveted than the bold, star-spangled campaign banners modeled after the national flag. Every victorious president from William Henry Harrison in 1840 to Woodrow Wilson had one—except Zachary Taylor, who, for reasons lost to history, missed out on the tradition. But even among these treasured banners, one stands alone in rarity: James Buchanan’s 1856 campaign flag.

For years, the only known example sat like a guarded treasure in an Ohio collection, its image immortalized in Threads in History. When it finally hit the open market in 2017, collectors went berserk, and the flag sold for a staggering $275,000 at Heritage Auctions. If another one exists, it hasn’t shown its face—but if it does, expect another bloodthirsty bidding war.

Harding & Coolidge: The Unattainable Jugate of the 1920s

Some buttons are rare, and then there are the ones that border on myth—this 2 ¼-inch Harding & Coolidge jugate falls firmly into the latter category. Among the sea of red, white, and blue campaign relics from the 1920-24 era, this design stands out as the crown jewel.

All Harding-Coolidge jugates are tough finds, but this one? Nearly impossible. In four decades, only two have surfaced—one marred by noticeable staining, the other locked away in a small but surgically curated private collection, untouched for years. There are whispers of one or two others in the wild, but until one emerges, this remains the ultimate prize for those who chase the impossible. It sold for $35,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2015.

John F. Kennedy: The “Democracy for Jack Kennedy” Button—A Collector’s Grail with a Controversial Backstory

Ask any JFK memorabilia expert to name the top ten Kennedy campaign buttons, and this 3 ½-inch rarity will be near the top. Part of the legendary “Big Four” set, this button was designed by Frank Allen, a longtime Kennedy confidant and advertising man from New York. Allen had been crafting campaign materials for Kennedy since his 1950s Senate run, and when the 1960 presidential race rolled around, he wanted to create buttons that stood out from the rest. The result? Four massive, eye-catching designs: “It Seems To Me It’s Kennedy,” “I’m Gone for John,” “Give the Key to Kennedy,” and the ultra-rare specimen up for auction—“Democracy for Jack Kennedy.”

But not everyone was a fan. According to legend, when Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. got a look at these buttons, he blew a gasket. He reportedly sneered at the “I’m Gone for John” button for its unflattering portrait and was outright furious about the “Jack Kennedy” inscription on this one, snapping, “Nobody calls the next President Jack—except his family!” In a fit of rage, he allegedly hurled the buttons across the room and demanded they be destroyed. Because of this, the buttons were produced only in sample quantities, with estimates suggesting no more than 36 exist.

The example up for auction is arguably the most visually striking of the set, featuring a sharp profile of JFK with the Capitol Building in the background. The image itself was taken on the campaign trail in Nebraska, adding to its historical significance. This button is in outstanding condition, a true centerpiece for any Kennedy collection.

A similar example recently surfaced at Anderson Americana Auctions (April 27, 2021, Lot #50) and hammered for $35,650— the one pictured sold for $28,750 in 2021.

Collecting Political Campaign Items and Related Memorabilia

Political campaign memorabilia serves as a tangible link to history, capturing the energy, messaging, and cultural shifts of various political movements. From buttons and posters to banners and bobbleheads, collectors can amass unique artifacts reflecting different eras, ideologies, and personalities. This guide explores the types of political collectibles, how to acquire and authenticate them, and tips for building a meaningful collection.

Why Collect Political Campaign Memorabilia?

• Historical Significance: Items reflect political movements, candidates, and major events.
• Investment Potential: Rare and well-preserved items can appreciate in value.
• Personal Interest: A way to connect with political history, personal beliefs, or family heritage.
• Educational Value: Collections can serve as valuable teaching tools in schools and museums.

Types of Political Campaign Collectibles

1. Buttons and Pins

• The most common and widely collected political memorabilia.
• Dates back to the 1800s with the first mass-produced campaign buttons for Abraham Lincoln.
• Value is determined by rarity, condition, and historical importance.

2. Posters and Signs

• Large campaign posters and yard signs were used to promote candidates and slogans.
• Posters from major elections, especially those pre-WWII, are highly sought after.
• Silk-screened posters and limited-run editions fetch higher prices.

3. Bumper Stickers and Decals

• Introduced in the mid-20th century, they remain a popular form of political expression.
• Older bumper stickers (especially pre-1970s) are more valuable due to their rarity.

4. Campaign Literature and Ephemera

• Includes pamphlets, brochures, and position papers distributed during campaigns.
• Can offer unique insights into a candidate’s platform and campaign strategy.
• Signed items by significant politicians increase value.

5. Clothing and Textiles

• T-shirts, hats, scarves, and other wearable campaign gear.
• Vintage campaign textiles (e.g., 19th-century banners, ribbons) are particularly valuable.
• Condition is crucial—avoid items with excessive wear and stains.

6. Political Bobbleheads and Figurines

• Collectible figures featuring presidents, candidates, and key political figures.
• Limited edition or first-release bobbleheads are the most desirable.

7. Convention Memorabilia

• Items from national political conventions such as delegate badges, ribbons, and official programs.
• Items from early conventions, particularly before television broadcasts, are rarer and more valuable.

8. Coins, Medals, and Tokens

• Many campaigns have issued commemorative coins, tokens, and medals.
• Special focus on inaugural medals, which are often made of gold, silver, or bronze.

9. Autographs and Signed Documents

• Includes signed photographs, campaign speeches, and personal letters.
• Authenticity is key; certificates of authenticity (COAs) or provenance are crucial.

10. Protest and Movement Memorabilia

• Items from grassroots campaigns, protests, and counter-campaigns.
• Includes signs, posters, armbands, and alternative political materials.

How to Start Collecting Political Memorabilia

1. Define Your Focus

• Presidential campaigns vs. local elections
• Specific eras (e.g., Civil War, New Deal, Cold War, Modern Era)
• Partisan vs. bipartisan collections

2. Where to Find Political Memorabilia

• Antique Shops and Flea Markets: Great for finding older campaign buttons and signs.
• Online Auctions (eBay, Heritage Auctions, etc.): Widest selection but requires research to avoid counterfeits. Amazon also sells political buttons.
• Political Memorabilia Shows and Conventions: Specialized events where collectors and dealers gather.
• Estate Sales and Garage Sales: Can yield unexpected treasures.
• Specialty Collectors’ Clubs and Forums: Organizations like the American Political Items Collectors (APIC) offer expert advice and networking opportunities.

3. Authenticating Political Memorabilia

• Look for manufacturer marks and union labels on buttons and textiles.
• Research historical design styles and typography to verify age.
• Seek expert opinions on autographs and rare items.
• Be cautious of reproductions, especially in online markets.

4. Preservation and Display

• Store paper items in acid-free sleeves or archival boxes.
• Keep buttons, coins, and medals in protective cases to prevent oxidation.
• Avoid direct sunlight and humidity to prevent fading and deterioration.
• Display items using shadow boxes, frames, and specialty display cases.

Evaluating the Value of Political Memorabilia

• Rarity: Limited production or items linked to significant political figures increase value.
• Condition: Mint-condition items fetch the highest prices.
• Historical Importance: Items from pivotal elections (e.g., Lincoln, Kennedy, Reagan) are in demand.
• Provenance: Items with documented history (e.g., owned by a politician) have higher worth.

Collecting political campaign memorabilia is a fascinating way to connect with history, politics, and culture. Whether you’re a casual collector or an investor, the key is research, authenticity, and preservation. By building a well-curated collection, you can own a piece of political history while potentially acquiring assets that appreciate in value over time.

American Political Items Collectors (APIC)

“All politics is local,” was the axiom popularized by former House Speaker Tip O’Neil — but for members of the American Political Items Collectors Club a better axiom might be, “all politics is collectible.”

The 55-year-old club is a great forum for buying and selling everything from political campaign buttons to politician’s autographs. Turns out, even old ballots are collectible.

Political campaign buttons are one type of collectible sought after by APIC members

But having a forum to swap buttons isn’t the only reason folks join, says club member Stephen Cresswell. Many members use the club as a resource for trade information and research.

“I suppose most hobbies make this claim, but with APIC we genuinely do have folks from all walks of life,” says Cresswell, who is also a history professor and dealer of political memorabilia.

“Teachers, antique dealers, doctors and lawyers, postal workers, Teamsters, many were politically active as kids or teens,” Cresswell says. “They began collecting as they worked on campaigns as Young Democrats or Young Republicans. Others remember the neat pins that dad or grandma had.”

All of those neat pins (and canes, suspenders, glassware, autographs, bonds, ribbons, ballots, and more) can be found at any one of the group’s several conventions around the country.

But unlike some of the infamous political party conventions of the past, scandals at collectors’ conventions are uncommon, says Cresswell.

The club has an ongoing project dedicated to teaching members how to spot phony items. “Our code of ethics makes it clear that those who cheat other members will be drummed out.”

The club’s reputation for authenticity has paid off: it has more than 3,000 members, an internship at the Smithsonian, and subscriptions to the APIC magazine from ten major research libraries.

It’s also the only nation-wide organization for collectors of political memorabilia.

In addition, says Cresswell, the club appeals to different levels of enthusiasts. Some members are hobbyists content with picking up a 19th-century campaign button for $30.

Other members are serious collectors or dealers — on the hunt for more exclusive items, such as a black-and-white campaign button from 1924 Democratic presidential candidate John W. Davis and running mate Charles W. Bryan.

That pin fetched $150,000 at a private sale, the highest known price ever paid for an American campaign pin. (And quite possibly more money than Davis and Bryan raised for their failed campaign.)

But perhaps the club’s most telling feature is its “big tent” approach.

Political affiliations — Republican, Democrat, etc. — are tossed out the window, and only one label matters — collector.

Further Reading:

Price Guide to Collectible Pin-Back Buttons, 1896-1986 by Ted Hake, Russ King

Spector’s Pins of the World by Harry Spector

Political Buttons Book III 1789-1916 : A Price Guide to Presidential Americana / With Supplement by Ted Hake

Encyclopedia of Political Buttons: United States 1896-1972 : Including Prices, Campaign History, Technical Facts and Statistics by Theodore Hake