(1863) Silver Civil War Patriotic Token F-135/199fo, Our Country

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,120 MS63 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 135, a portrait of Andrew Jackson or a Union loyalty design, with reverse die 199 bearing a "UNITED STATES" or medal-style design. The Andrew Jackson obverse invoked Old Hickory's defiant stance against South Carolina's nullification attempt in 1832-33. For Civil War-era Unionists, Jackson's words — "The Union — It must be preserved" — carried renewed urgency and authority. Struck in silver, a rare composition reserved for special orders or presentation pieces. Silver patriotic tokens were produced in tiny quantities for collectors and dignitaries. Dated 1863. The end of the token era came swiftly in 1864 when Congress authorized new small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of a brief but remarkable chapter in American monetary history.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 135/199fo. Die pairing: obverse 135, reverse 199. Silver strikes are rare presentation or special-order pieces. 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 135/199fo