(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-175/232a, First In War, First In Peace

Coin Details

Auction Record

$456 MS62BN 04-15-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 175, a design featuring George Washington or the inscription "FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN," Henry Lee's famous eulogy adapted as a Union loyalty slogan, with reverse die 232 bearing the inscription "FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN". Henry Lee's famous 1799 eulogy of George Washington was adapted during the Civil War. 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.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 175/232a. Die pairing: obverse 175, reverse 232. 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 175/232a