(1861-65) White Metal Civil War Patriotic Token F-54/296e, Army & Navy

Coin Details

Auction Record

$360 MS63 03-31-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 54, a design featuring Benjamin Franklin's maxim "A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED", with reverse die 296 bearing the inscription "ARMY & NAVY" within a laurel wreath, often with crossed sabers. This tribute to the Union military was one of the most popular reverse legends, appearing on dozens of die combinations. This military and patriotic obverse die family encompasses a range of wartime themes — from specific slogans like "Millions for Defence" to general military tributes. These dies reflect the diverse patriotic sentiments expressed through the Civil War token medium. The white metal composition gives this token a silvery appearance that contrasts with the more common copper issues. White metal is softer than copper, so surviving examples often show greater wear or softer strike details. Dated 1861-65. The end of the token era came swiftly in 1864 when Congress authorized new small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of a brief but remarkable chapter in American monetary history.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 54/296e. Die pairing: obverse 54, reverse 296. 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 54/296e