(1860-65) Civil War Patriotic Token F-221/324a, The Federal Union

Coin Details

Auction Record

$192 MS64RB 02-09-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 221, a design inscribed "THE FEDERAL UNION IT MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED," Andrew Jackson's famous toast — one of the most common patriotic token inscriptions with over ten obverse die varieties, with reverse die 324 bearing the inscription "THE FEDERAL UNION IT MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED". This famous phrase originated as Andrew Jackson's toast during the 1830 Nullification Crisis and was revived as a powerful declaration of Union supremacy. The "Federal Union" text obverse dies bore Andrew Jackson's famous toast — "The Federal Union — It must and shall be preserved." This was one of the most commonly reproduced patriotic inscriptions on Civil War tokens, appearing across more than ten distinct die varieties. Struck in copper, the most practical metal for tokens intended to fill the gap left by hoarded federal cents. Copper tokens survive in greater numbers than any other composition, reflecting their enormous production volumes. Dated 1860-65.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 221/324a. Die pairing: obverse 221, reverse 324. Copper is the most common composition, representing the majority of surviving specimens. The Fuld rarity scale ranges from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique); survival depends on the specific die combination, metal, and condition.

Cross References

Fuld 221/324a