(1861-5) Civil War Patriotic Token F-220/322a, The Federal Union

Coin Details

Auction Record

$132 MS64RB 09-23-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 220, a design inscribed "THE FEDERAL UNION IT MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED," Andrew Jackson's famous toast — one of the most common patriotic token inscriptions with over ten obverse die varieties, with reverse die 322 bearing the inscription "THE FEDERAL UNION IT MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED". This famous phrase originated as Andrew Jackson's toast during the 1830 Nullification Crisis and was revived as a powerful declaration of Union supremacy. The "Federal Union" text obverse dies bore Andrew Jackson's famous toast — "The Federal Union — It must and shall be preserved." This was one of the most commonly reproduced patriotic inscriptions on Civil War tokens, appearing across more than ten distinct die varieties. This copper striking represents the standard composition for patriotic tokens. Die sinkers chose copper because its properties — malleability, durability, and cent-like appearance — made it ideal for mass-produced emergency currency. Dated 1861-5.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 220/322a. Die pairing: obverse 220, reverse 322. 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 220/322a