(1863) German-Silver Civil War Patriotic Token F-105/198j, Washington Star-Eagle Ribbon

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 105, a bust of George Washington, invoking the founding ideals of the republic to frame the Union cause as a continuation of the American Revolution, with reverse die 198 bearing a "UNITED STATES" or medal-style design. By placing George Washington's portrait on patriotic tokens, die sinkers appealed to the deepest roots of American identity. The message was unmistakable: preserving the Union honored the sacrifice of the Revolutionary generation. The copper composition ensured these tokens closely matched the weight, size, and color of federal Indian Head cents, facilitating their acceptance in daily transactions. Produced in 1863. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans began hoarding federal coins following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861, creating the currency vacuum that patriotic tokens filled.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 105/198j. Die pairing: obverse 105, 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 105/198j