(1863) Civil War Patriotic Token F-243/378a

Coin Details

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 378 bearing the provocative legend "NOT ONE CENT" within a wreath. This seemingly contradictory inscription acknowledged the token had no legal-tender status while it simultaneously served as a cent substitute in everyday commerce. 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. The copper composition ensured these tokens closely matched the weight, size, and color of federal Indian Head cents, facilitating their acceptance in daily transactions. Bearing the date 1863.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 243/378a. Die pairing: obverse 243, reverse 378. 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 243/378a