(1861-65) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-137/395a, This Medal Price

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120 MS65BN 04-15-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 137, a portrait of Andrew Jackson or a Union loyalty design, with reverse die 395 bearing a design featuring "This Medal Price". 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. Bearing the date 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 137/395a. Die pairing: obverse 137, reverse 395. 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 137/395a