(1861-65) White Metal Civil War Patriotic Token F-259/445e, Trade and Commerce

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 259, a larger 22mm "TRADE AND COMMERCE" design issued by John Gault — typically well-struck and well-preserved, with reverse die 445 bearing a seated goddess of "TRADE AND COMMERCE". This allegorical design personified the commercial activity these tokens facilitated. This die range includes naval subjects, constitutional themes, Masonic imagery, and commercial designs. The diversity reflects the wide range of interests and loyalties expressed through the Civil War token medium, from military patriotism to fraternal and commercial concerns. Struck in white metal (a lead-tin alloy), producing a silvery appearance. White metal tokens are scarcer than copper and often show softer details due to the alloy's lower hardness. Bearing the date 1861-65. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, and the introduction of fractional currency notes and new bronze two-cent pieces gradually eliminated the need for emergency tokens.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 259/445e. Die pairing: obverse 259, reverse 445. White metal (lead/tin alloy) strikes are scarcer than copper. 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 259/445e