Description:

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Washington, DC, ca. August 28, 1963
Vintage "March On Washington" Button: MLK, Jr. Was Wearing One While He Gave His "I Have A Dream" Speech
Pins/buttons
A vintage pinback button from the August 28, 1963 March on Washington. The round face of the metal and plastic laminated button depicts two hands, one white and one black, clasped in friendship, and is emblazoned: "March on Washington / For / Jobs & Freedom / August 28, 1963." The button features the Allied Printing trade union registration mark recto near lower center, as well as "I.P.E.U. 885" (International Photo-Engravers Union) on the button rim, in addition to a partial engraved symbol on the metal button backing. Expected superficial wear including minor scuffs, scratches, and isolated tarnish, else near fine. 2.25" diameter.

It is worth noting that Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. wore an example of this button during his "I Have A Dream" speech, delivered on August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In October 2024, we sold an example of this pinback button for $1,250.

The 1963 March on Washington marked the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The March on Washington had a single objective: to expose the true nature of race relations and economic problems in mid-20th C. America. During the demonstration, about 200,000-300,000 participants, of whom an estimated 75% were Black, marched from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. All of the "Big 10" demonstration organizers delivered speeches that day, although King's powerful oration is the most remembered. The March on Washington was nationally televised and shone a light on Jim Crow laws and widespread unemployment. One of the capstone moments of the Civil Rights Movement, the March on Washington led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 2.25" diameter
  • Medium: Pins/buttons

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January 29, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000