Pro McKinley Gold Standard Attack Ribbon Mocking Bryan’s 16:1 Plan – “Nit” Insult

SKU
EP8000
In stock
$135.00

Pro McKinley Gold Standard Attack Ribbon Mocking Bryan’s 16:1 Plan   – “Nit” Insult. This unusual gold-colored ribbon comes from the heated 1896 monetary battle between William Jennings Bryan’s free-silver movement and supporters of the gold standard. Boldly printed “16 to 1 – Nit,” the ribbon mocks advocates of Bryan’s 16-to-1 silver ratio by labeling them “nits,” a period slang insult for a simpleton. Distributed by pro-McKinley and Sound Money forces, these low-cost ribbons were worn in parades and rallies. A scarce and pointed example of anti-Bryan campaign propaganda from the pivotal 1896 election. Original, of course. 

Historical Notes

The 1896 campaign centered on whether the United States should adopt Bryan’s free and unlimited coinage of silver at a 16-to-1 ratio to gold. Supporters believed it would ease debt and expand the money supply. Opponents—Republicans, business interests, and Gold Democrats—warned it would wreck the economy. The clash produced some of the era’s sharpest political satire, including ribbons like this one openly ridiculing silver advocates.

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Price$135.00
Conditionused
Product ConditionVery good, 3 small pinholes
Size9" tall
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