(1863) Civil War Patriotic Token F-68/355a, Not One Cent

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 68, an Indian Head design modeled after James B. Longacre's federal cent, the most popular obverse family for patriotic tokens because its resemblance to official coinage helped these privately struck pieces gain public acceptance, with reverse die 355 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. The Indian Head obverse deliberately copied the federal cent design to maximize public acceptance. These tokens were so convincing that many survive today mistakenly identified as genuine federal cents rather than privately issued substitutes. 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 68/355a. Die pairing: obverse 68, reverse 355. 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 68/355a