(1863) Civil War Patriotic Token F-1/391d, I.O.U. 1 Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$192 SP65 08-22-2018 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 1, a French-style Liberty head facing left surrounded by thirteen stars, the most common obverse die family on Civil War patriotic tokens, with reverse die 391 bearing the playful inscription "I.O.U. 1 CENT". This whimsical legend cast the token as an informal promissory note, reflecting the pragmatic humor with which merchants adopted private tokens. The French Liberty head was the most prolific obverse die family, with nearly thirty die varieties. These dies were cut by multiple manufacturers, primarily in New York City, and their classical design gave the tokens a dignified appearance that encouraged public acceptance. Struck in nickel, a scarce composition for patriotic tokens. The hard, silvery metal produced tokens with sharp details and excellent wear resistance. 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 1/391d. Die pairing: obverse 1, reverse 391. Nickel strikes are scarce. 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 1/391d