(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-60/346ao

Coin Details

Auction Record

$180 MS62BN 10-14-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 60, an Indian Head design modeled after James B. Longacre's federal cent, the most popular obverse family for patriotic tokens because its resemblance to official coinage helped these privately struck pieces gain public acceptance, with reverse die 346 bearing the inscription "THE CONSTITUTION". Constitutional references underscored the legal basis for opposing secession. Indian Head obverse dies were the second most popular family, closely imitating the design of the federal Indian Head cent introduced in 1859. By echoing James B. Longacre's official design, these tokens blurred the line between private and government coinage. 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 60/346ao. Die pairing: obverse 60, reverse 346. 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 60/346ao