1860s Token Patriotic

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token produced during the coin shortage of 1862-1864. Patriotic tokens featured pro-Union themes, political figures, and national symbols, serving as cent substitutes when federal coinage was hoarded. Copper was the standard metal for patriotic tokens, chosen because cent-sized copper pieces could pass as substitute federal cents in everyday commerce. Over 25 million patriotic tokens were produced by private manufacturers before Congress banned private coinage in April 1864. Token production was centered in New York City, which accounted for over half of all Civil War tokens. Additional manufacturers operated in Waterbury, Connecticut; Cincinnati, Ohio; and other Northern cities with die-sinking and metalworking capabilities. These tokens are tangible artifacts of the wartime economy, preserving the patriotic sentiments and commercial ingenuity of the Northern home front.

Rarity Notes

Civil War patriotic token. 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).