(1863) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-61/198a, United States of America

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 61, 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 198 bearing a "UNITED STATES" or medal-style design. The Indian Head obverse family capitalized on the recognizable federal cent design. These were among the most commercially successful patriotic tokens because their similarity to government-issued cents made them virtually indistinguishable in pocket change. The copper alloy used for this token matched the federal cent specification closely enough that these pieces passed freely in commerce during the coin shortage of 1862-1864. Bearing the date 1863. Patriotic tokens circulated freely throughout the Northern states from mid-1862 through 1864. Merchants accepted them alongside genuine federal cents, and many tokens show heavy wear consistent with extended use in commerce.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 61/198a. Die pairing: obverse 61, reverse 198. 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 61/198a