(1860) White Metal Civil War Patriotic Token F-138/255e, Gen. McClellan

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 MS62 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 138, a portrait of General George B. McClellan, commander of the Army of the Potomac and 1864 Democratic presidential candidate — his image appeared on tokens from both supporters and detractors, with reverse die 255 bearing a portrait or inscription referencing General George B. McClellan. McClellan commanded the Army of the Potomac and ran against Lincoln in 1864. McClellan obverse dies captured the general at the height of his popularity with the Army of the Potomac. These tokens gained additional political significance when McClellan became the Democratic presidential nominee in 1864, challenging Lincoln for the presidency. 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. Bearing the date 1860.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 138/255e. Die pairing: obverse 138, reverse 255. 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 138/255e