(1863) Brass Civil War Patriotic Token F-169/213b, Peace Maker

Coin Details

Auction Record

$285 MS64 09-11-2023 eBay

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 169, a cannon design described by collectors as having "a marvelously expressive" quality conveying grim wartime humor, with reverse die 213 bearing a design featuring "Peace Maker". This die group encompasses shield designs, cannon motifs, and text-based patriotic inscriptions. The variety of designs within this range demonstrates the creative range of Northern die sinkers who competed to produce the most appealing and saleable token designs. Struck in brass, a less common composition that gave the token a distinctive golden color distinguishing it from the copper standard. Dated 1863. 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. These tokens preserve the political sentiments, commercial practices, and artistic traditions of the Civil War home front in a format small enough to carry in a pocket.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 169/213b. Die pairing: obverse 169, reverse 213. Brass strikes are less common 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 169/213b