(1860) Civil War Patriotic Token F-229/360j, Our Country

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 229, a design inscribed "OUR COUNTRY", with reverse die 360 bearing the provocative legend "NOT ONE CENT" within a wreath. This seemingly contradictory inscription acknowledged the token had no legal-tender status while it simultaneously served as a cent substitute in everyday commerce. Patriotic tokens filled the currency vacuum created when Americans hoarded federal coins after the suspension of specie payments in December 1861. Die sinkers and token manufacturers stepped in to supply the cent-sized pieces that commerce demanded. Struck in nickel, a scarce composition for patriotic tokens. The hard, silvery metal produced tokens with sharp details and excellent wear resistance. Bearing the date 1860. 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 229/360j. Die pairing: obverse 229, reverse 360. Nickel strikes are scarce. 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 229/360j