(1860-65) White Metal Civil War Patriotic Token F-481/492e, Hope

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 481, an allegorical figure of Hope depicted as a woman with an anchor, a neoclassical motif on English-made dies dated 1844 but used during the Civil War era, with reverse die 492 bearing an allegorical figure of Hope depicted as a woman with an anchor. Hope, a neoclassical motif from English die-making tradition, represented steadfast optimism during the nation's gravest crisis. The English-made Hope dies stand apart from domestically produced patriotic tokens in both artistic style and subject matter. Their allegorical imagery — figures representing Hope, Fortune, and other classical virtues — reflects the British tradition of finely engraved token dies. The white metal composition gives this token a silvery appearance that contrasts with the more common copper issues. White metal is softer than copper, so surviving examples often show greater wear or softer strike details. Produced in 1860-65.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 481/492e. Die pairing: obverse 481, reverse 492. White metal (lead/tin alloy) strikes are scarcer than copper. 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 481/492e