(1861-65) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-509/510Aa, John Bell-Presidents House

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 509, a portrait of John Bell, the Constitutional Union candidate in 1860 who drew Whig and Know-Nothing support, with reverse die 510A bearing a view of the President's House (the White House), a distinctive campaign-era architectural design. Benjamin True of Cincinnati produced this political campaign die series featuring the 1860 presidential candidates. The series includes both pro-Union and pro-Southern designs, making it a unique numismatic record of the deeply divided political landscape on the eve of war. This copper striking represents the standard composition for patriotic tokens. Die sinkers chose copper because its properties — malleability, durability, and cent-like appearance — made it ideal for mass-produced emergency currency. Bearing the date 1861-65.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 509/510Aa. Die pairing: obverse 509, reverse 510A. 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 509/510Aa