(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-254/434a, Money Makes The Mare Go

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 254, a striding figure carrying a sack of spilling coins inscribed "MONEY MAKES THE MARE GO" and "GO IT BUTTONS," referencing a sixteenth-century British nursery rhyme — die cut by William H. Bridgens of New York, with reverse die 434 bearing a design featuring "For Public Accommodation". Dies in this range encompass naval scenes, constitutional inscriptions, and fraternal symbols. The variety demonstrates that Civil War tokens served not only as emergency currency but also as miniature propaganda platforms for causes ranging from Union patriotism to fraternal solidarity. Struck in copper, the dominant metal for Civil War patriotic tokens. Copper pieces were accepted interchangeably with federal cents by merchants throughout the North. Produced in 1863. New York City produced over half of all Civil War patriotic tokens, with additional output from Waterbury, Connecticut (center of the brass industry) and Cincinnati, Ohio (home of John Stanton and other prolific die sinkers).

Rarity Notes

Fuld 254/434a. Die pairing: obverse 254, reverse 434. 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 254/434a