(1860) Civil War Patriotic Token F-251/345a, Masonic

Coin Details

Auction Record

$264 MS63BN 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 251, a Masonic compass-and-square design reflecting the prominent role of fraternal lodges in Northern civic life, with reverse die 345 bearing a Masonic compass-and-square design. Masonic imagery reflected the prominent role of fraternal lodges in Northern civic life. Dies in this range encompass naval scenes, constitutional inscriptions, and fraternal symbols. The variety demonstrates that Civil War tokens served not only as emergency currency but also as miniature propaganda platforms for causes ranging from Union patriotism to fraternal solidarity. Copper was overwhelmingly preferred for patriotic token production because it replicated the look, feel, and weight of federal Indian Head cents. Merchants rarely questioned copper tokens placed alongside genuine cents in the cash drawer. Dated 1860. Die sinkers produced patriotic tokens on hand-operated screw presses capable of striking several hundred pieces per hour. The largest manufacturers maintained multiple presses and employed teams of workers to meet the enormous wartime demand.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 251/345a. Die pairing: obverse 251, reverse 345. 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 251/345a