(1860-65) Civil War Patriotic Token F-202/434a, Tradesmens Currency

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 202, a design depicting the American flag circled by thirteen stars inscribed "THE FLAG OF OUR UNION," one of the most popular obverse die families, expressing loyalty to the national standard, with reverse die 434 bearing a design featuring "For Public Accommodation". Copper tokens matched the size of the federal cent closely enough to pass in change during the 1862-1864 shortage. Produced in 1860-65. Patriotic tokens circulated freely throughout the Northern states from mid-1862 through 1864. Merchants accepted them alongside genuine federal cents, and many tokens show heavy wear consistent with extended use in commerce.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 202/434a. Die pairing: obverse 202, reverse 434. The Fuld rarity scale runs from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (believed unique).

Cross References

Fuld 202/434a