(1863) Brass Civil War Patriotic Token F-386/427b, Good For One Cent

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 386, a design inscribed "GOOD FOR ONE CENT", with reverse die 427 bearing the denomination "ONE CENT". Stating a one-cent value helped these tokens circulate alongside federal coinage. 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. 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. Bearing the date 1863. Patriotic tokens circulated freely throughout the Northern states from mid-1862 through 1864. Merchants accepted them alongside genuine federal cents, and many tokens show heavy wear consistent with extended use in commerce.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 386/427b. Die pairing: obverse 386, reverse 427. 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 386/427b