(1863) Silver Civil War Patriotic Token F-386/427f, Good For One Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,440 MS65 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 386, a design inscribed "GOOD FOR ONE CENT", with reverse die 427 bearing the denomination "ONE CENT". Stating a one-cent value helped these tokens circulate alongside federal coinage. These privately manufactured cent-sized tokens served as emergency coinage throughout the North from 1862 to 1864. Their production was an entrepreneurial response to the wartime disappearance of federal small change from everyday commerce. 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. 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 386/427f. Die pairing: obverse 386, reverse 427. 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 386/427f