Liberty Bond buttons

13 Liberty Bond buttons

2018.xx.27.9-.12

During World War I, the United States Treasury issued securities termed “Liberty Bonds” (or “Liberty Loans”) to help fund the Allied cause. War bonds allowed the government to borrow money to finance its war efforts. There were four issues of Liberty Bonds in April and October 1917, and in April and September 1918. The first Liberty Bonds were issued three weeks after the United States Congress officially declared war on April 6, 1917. In April 1919, a fifth bond, the Victory Liberty Loan, was released after the Armistice ended fighting between the Allies and Germany in November 1918.

The 13 Liberty Bond buttons in our collections are a testament to the government’s campaign to popularize the bonds. The response to the first Liberty Bond was underwhelming, resulting in the release of the second Liberty Bond just five months later. While the Liberty Bonds did sell out, it was done below par, or face value. The Liberty Bonds campaign enlisted the help of artists to create posters and celebrities to host bond rallies. Investment in the Liberty Bonds became a symbol of patriotic duty.

The buttons were donated by the Haneman family of Kenilworth.