(1861-65) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-481/483a, Hope

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 481, an allegorical figure of Hope depicted as a woman with an anchor, a neoclassical motif on English-made dies dated 1844 but used during the Civil War era, with reverse die 483 bearing an allegorical figure of Hope depicted as a woman with an anchor. Hope, a neoclassical motif from English die-making tradition, represented steadfast optimism during the nation's gravest crisis. The Hope series uses English-made dies depicting allegorical figures including Hope with an anchor, genre scenes with animals, and the inscription "WAR OF 1861." These dies were manufactured in England and imported for use on Civil War-era tokens, giving them a distinctive artistic character. 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. Dated 1861-65.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 481/483a. Die pairing: obverse 481, reverse 483. 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 481/483a