(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-167/435a, United We Stand

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 167, a Union shield design symbolizing the defense of the republic, with reverse die 435 bearing the motto "UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL". This proverb, attributed to Aesop, took on urgent meaning during the secession crisis. This die group encompasses shield designs, cannon motifs, and text-based patriotic inscriptions. The variety of designs within this range demonstrates the creative range of Northern die sinkers who competed to produce the most appealing and saleable token designs. Struck in copper, the most practical metal for tokens intended to fill the gap left by hoarded federal cents. Copper tokens survive in greater numbers than any other composition, reflecting their enormous production volumes. Dated 1863. The end of the token era came swiftly in 1864 when Congress authorized new small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of a brief but remarkable chapter in American monetary history.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 167/435a. Die pairing: obverse 167, reverse 435. 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 167/435a