(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-234/431a, Value Me As You Please

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 234, a design inscribed "VALUE ME AS YOU PLEASE", with reverse die 431 bearing the inscription "UNION". The single word "UNION" distilled the Northern war aim to its essence. This die range includes naval subjects, constitutional themes, Masonic imagery, and commercial designs. The diversity reflects the wide range of interests and loyalties expressed through the Civil War token medium, from military patriotism to fraternal and commercial concerns. The copper composition ensured these tokens closely matched the weight, size, and color of federal Indian Head cents, facilitating their acceptance in daily transactions. Dated 1863. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans began hoarding federal coins following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861, creating the currency vacuum that patriotic tokens filled.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 234/431a. Die pairing: obverse 234, reverse 431. 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 234/431a