James M. Cox was a newspaper publishing magnate who was a two-time Governor of Ohio, and also served in the House of Representatives for two terms. After the Woodrow Wilson Democratic administration ended in 1920, Cox was elected (on the 44th convention vote!) as the nominee for the Democratic Party for the 1920 Presidential election. His running mate was future President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

      Despite being a “Progressive” Cox articulated simultaneously lowering income and business profits taxes and spoke in support of Americanization to increase loyalty to the United States among the new immigrant population entering the United States. Despite his best efforts, Cox was defeated by Warren Harding, another former Ohio Governor. During the campaign, however, this hanging donkey ribbon pin was produced and is one of the most popular and rare campaign pins ever issued. This example features a 1.25 inch diameter button with Cox’s image with “FOR PRESIDENT JAMES M. COX” with small red-white-blue ribbon and attached 2.5 inch “hanging donkey”. The enamel portion of the button is in tremendous condition with very light discoloration along the bottom, while the ribbon and donkey are very nice. Even the donkey’s lips retain their original red paint. Very light areas of oxidation appear inside the pin back. Cox and/or Roosevelt political memorabilia from the 1920 campaign are some of the most elusive and popular relics in the Presidential political collecting hobby, and this is a tremendous opportunity to obtain a scarce and every desirable pin form that campaign.

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