(1863) Civil War Patriotic Token F-174/272a, First In War, First In Peace

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 MS67BN 08-11-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 174, a design featuring George Washington or the inscription "FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN," Henry Lee's famous eulogy adapted as a Union loyalty slogan, with reverse die 272 bearing the inscription "FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN". Henry Lee's famous 1799 eulogy of George Washington was adapted during the Civil War. 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. This copper striking represents the standard composition for patriotic tokens. Die sinkers chose copper because its properties — malleability, durability, and cent-like appearance — made it ideal for mass-produced emergency currency. Dated 1863.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 174/272a. Die pairing: obverse 174, reverse 272. Copper is the most common composition, representing the majority of surviving specimens. 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 174/272a