(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-209/414a, Shoot on the Spoot

Coin Details

Auction Record

$228 MS65RB 08-11-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 209, a "Flag of Our Union" design — this die is notable for its pairing with the famous "SPOOT" misspelling of "SPOT" on Dix quote reverses, with reverse die 414 bearing the inscription "IF ANYONE ATTEMPTS TO TEAR IT DOWN SHOOT HIM ON THE SPOT," General John A. Dix's famous order. Dix issued this order in January 1861 when a Treasury official in New Orleans threatened to haul down the American flag. "Flag of Our Union" obverses were produced in large quantities because the American flag was the single most powerful patriotic symbol available. These dies were versatile workhorses, paired with dozens of different reverse dies to create hundreds of distinct varieties. Copper was overwhelmingly preferred for patriotic token production because it replicated the look, feel, and weight of federal Indian Head cents. Merchants rarely questioned copper tokens placed alongside genuine cents in the cash drawer. Bearing the date 1863.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 209/414a. Die pairing: obverse 209, reverse 414. 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 209/414a