2.25" w/"Boston 36" union bug in field. For accuracy we note trivial oxidation on verso and scattered faint hairline scratches only seen in reflected light. Exc. To our knowledge this is the first time this fabled rarity from Kennedy's first campaign for the US Senate in 1952 has been offered in commerce. See next two lots for 1958 & 1960 varieties. Among the most impressive piece in the John Hillhouse Collection.

A note from Americana Director Scott Mussell: Most collectors are aware of the Kennedy Big 4- sample buttons produced by Frank Allen Specialties for the 1960 Presidential campaign famously rejected by Joe Kenedy Sr. Their rarity, rightly, is of legendary status. Collectors are also aware of the nascent "Kennedy For Congress" slogan button from JFK's first campaign in 1946, another fabled rarity. Frankly speaking this 1952 Youth For Kennedy is rarer than any of them. We've encountered several of the Big 4 in commerce but can only recall the Congressional button appearing twice at auction over the last two decades. Meanwhile this 1952 portrait button has not been offered publicly at any point in our recollection making it among the rarest Kennedy buttons extant. Perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity for the most advanced specialists and generalists.