(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-140/394a, Little Mack

Coin Details

Auction Record

$168 MS64RB 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 140, a portrait of General George B. McClellan, commander of the Army of the Potomac and 1864 Democratic presidential candidate — his image appeared on tokens from both supporters and detractors, with reverse die 394 bearing a portrait or inscription referencing General George B. McClellan. McClellan commanded the Army of the Potomac and ran against Lincoln in 1864. George B. McClellan obverse dies reflected the general's complex legacy — beloved by his troops for his organizational genius but criticized for his excessive caution in battle. His 1864 presidential candidacy against Lincoln added political dimension to these already-patriotic tokens. 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. Produced in 1863.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 140/394a. Die pairing: obverse 140, reverse 394. 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 140/394a