(1863) Civil War Patriotic Token F-243/247a, Constitution

Coin Details

Auction Record

$48 MS63BN 06-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 243, a design inscribed "CONSTITUTION" or the German word "ERINNERUNG" (Remembrance), reflecting the large German-American community's support for the Union, with reverse die 247 bearing the inscription "THE CONSTITUTION". Constitutional references underscored the legal basis for opposing secession. Dies in this range encompass naval scenes, constitutional inscriptions, and fraternal symbols. The variety demonstrates that Civil War tokens served not only as emergency currency but also as miniature propaganda platforms for causes ranging from Union patriotism to fraternal solidarity. Struck in copper, the dominant metal for Civil War patriotic tokens. Copper pieces were accepted interchangeably with federal cents by merchants throughout the North. Produced in 1863. New York City produced over half of all Civil War patriotic tokens, with additional output from Waterbury, Connecticut (center of the brass industry) and Cincinnati, Ohio (home of John Stanton and other prolific die sinkers).

Rarity Notes

Fuld 243/247a. Die pairing: obverse 243, reverse 247. 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 243/247a