(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Patriotic Token F-180/341do, Union For Ever

Coin Details

Auction Record

$600 MS63 10-14-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 180, a design honoring the "HERO OF PEA RIDGE" — the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862 was a decisive Union victory that secured Missouri, with reverse die 341 bearing the legend "UNION FOR EVER". One of the most defiant slogans of the Northern cause, declaring an unshakable commitment to preserving the republic. Shield and cannon obverses in this die range drew on heraldic and military imagery to express Union loyalty. These designs were popular because their bold, simple motifs reproduced well on the small cent-sized planchet format. 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 180/341do. Die pairing: obverse 180, reverse 341. 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 180/341do