(1861) Civil War Patriotic Token F-147/227f, I Am Ready

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 147, a uniformed Wide-Awake supporter inscribed "I AM READY" — the Wide-Awakes were a Republican paramilitary organization that supported Lincoln's 1860 campaign, with reverse die 227 bearing a design featuring "I Am Ready". Patriotic tokens filled the currency vacuum created when Americans hoarded federal coins after the suspension of specie payments in December 1861. Die sinkers and token manufacturers stepped in to supply the cent-sized pieces that commerce demanded. Struck in silver, a rare composition reserved for special orders or presentation pieces. Silver patriotic tokens were produced in tiny quantities for collectors and dignitaries. Bearing the date 1861. 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 147/227f. Die pairing: obverse 147, reverse 227. Silver strikes are rare presentation or special-order pieces. 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 147/227f