(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-10/312a, Army & Navy

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 10, a French-style Liberty head facing left surrounded by thirteen stars, the most common obverse die family on Civil War patriotic tokens, with reverse die 312 bearing the inscription "ARMY & NAVY" within a laurel wreath, often with crossed sabers. This tribute to the Union military was one of the most popular reverse legends, appearing on dozens of die combinations. The French Liberty obverse belongs to the largest die family in the patriotic token series. Their classical design echoed the imagery found on contemporary French coins and medals, providing a cosmopolitan look that set them apart from cruder token designs. The copper alloy used for this token matched the federal cent specification closely enough that these pieces passed freely in commerce during the coin shortage of 1862-1864. Produced in 1863. Patriotic tokens circulated freely throughout the Northern states from mid-1862 through 1864. Merchants accepted them alongside genuine federal cents, and many tokens show heavy wear consistent with extended use in commerce.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 10/312a. Die pairing: obverse 10, reverse 312. 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 10/312a