(1861-65) Civil War Patriotic Token F-255/390a, Knickerbocker

Coin Details

Auction Record

$216 MS66BN 01-12-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 255, a "KNICKERBOCKER CURRENCY" design referencing New York's Dutch colonial heritage, with reverse die 390 bearing a "KNICKERBOCKER CURRENCY" inscription. This design referenced New York's Dutch colonial heritage. 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. Produced in copper, the workhorse metal of Civil War token production. The cent-sized format and familiar copper color allowed these pieces to circulate alongside genuine federal coinage without hesitation. Bearing the date 1861-65. Collectors classify these tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique obverse and reverse die combination. Rarity ratings range from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Fuld 255/390a. Die pairing: obverse 255, reverse 390. 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 255/390a