(1863) Brass Civil War Patriotic Token F-254/434b, Money Makes The Mare Go

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 254, a striding figure carrying a sack of spilling coins inscribed "MONEY MAKES THE MARE GO" and "GO IT BUTTONS," referencing a sixteenth-century British nursery rhyme — die cut by William H. Bridgens of New York, with reverse die 434 bearing a design featuring "For Public Accommodation". 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. Brass tokens stand out from the copper majority with their warm golden hue. The brass industry centered in Waterbury, Connecticut provided ready access to this alloy for New England token manufacturers. Dated 1863. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans began hoarding federal coins following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861, creating the currency vacuum that patriotic tokens filled.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 254/434b. Die pairing: obverse 254, reverse 434. 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 254/434b