(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Patriotic Token F-120/434d, The Washington Token

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 120, a George Washington portrait paired with the dramatic "HORRORS OF WAR" theme, with reverse die 434 bearing a design featuring "For Public Accommodation". Washington obverse dies connected the Union cause to the nation's founding principles. The first president's portrait on Civil War tokens reminded Northerners that the republic Washington helped create was worth fighting to preserve. Struck in copper-nickel, an uncommon composition for Civil War tokens. The heavier copper-nickel alloy gave these pieces a silvery appearance and greater heft than standard copper issues. 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 120/434d. Die pairing: obverse 120, reverse 434. Copper-nickel is an uncommon composition for Civil War tokens. 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 120/434d