(1861-65) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-230/352b, Our Country

Coin Details

Auction Record

$180 MS65RB 08-22-2018 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 230, a naval, Monitor, or patriotic design, with reverse die 352 bearing crossed cannons with a drum, flags, and liberty cap. This military vignette was a popular and visually striking reverse design. 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. Struck in copper, the dominant metal for Civil War patriotic tokens. Copper pieces were accepted interchangeably with federal cents by merchants throughout the North. Produced in 1861-65. New York City produced over half of all Civil War patriotic tokens, with additional output from Waterbury, Connecticut (center of the brass industry) and Cincinnati, Ohio (home of John Stanton and other prolific die sinkers).

Rarity Notes

Fuld 230/352b. Die pairing: obverse 230, reverse 352. 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 230/352b