(1863) Civil War Patriotic Token F-83/264a, Pay the Bearer

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 83, a design inscribed "PAY THE BEARER", with reverse die 264 bearing the inscription "PAY THE BEARER". This promissory language mimicked official currency phrasing. The Indian Head obverse family capitalized on the recognizable federal cent design. These were among the most commercially successful patriotic tokens because their similarity to government-issued cents made them virtually indistinguishable in pocket change. The copper composition ensured these tokens closely matched the weight, size, and color of federal Indian Head cents, facilitating their acceptance in daily transactions. Produced in 1863. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans began hoarding federal coins following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861, creating the currency vacuum that patriotic tokens filled.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 83/264a. Die pairing: obverse 83, reverse 264. 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 83/264a