(1861-65) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-135/441a, Our Country-Now And For Ever

Coin Details

Auction Record

$75 MS63BN 05-29-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 135, a portrait of Andrew Jackson or a Union loyalty design, with reverse die 441 bearing the inscription "A COMMON CAUSE". The Andrew Jackson obverse invoked Old Hickory's defiant stance against South Carolina's nullification attempt in 1832-33. For Civil War-era Unionists, Jackson's words — "The Union — It must be preserved" — carried renewed urgency and authority. 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. Produced in 1861-65. 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 135/441a. Die pairing: obverse 135, reverse 441. 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 135/441a