(1863) Silver Civil War Patriotic Token F-97/389fo, Not One Cent

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 97, a design inscribed "MILLIONS FOR CONTRACTORS," a sardonic commentary on wartime profiteering, with reverse die 389 bearing the inscription "MILLIONS FOR CONTRACTORS," a sardonic commentary on wartime profiteering. The Indian Head obverse family capitalized on the recognizable federal cent design. These were among the most commercially successful patriotic tokens because their similarity to government-issued cents made them virtually indistinguishable in pocket change. 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. Bearing the date 1863. Die sinkers produced patriotic tokens on hand-operated screw presses capable of striking several hundred pieces per hour. The largest manufacturers maintained multiple presses and employed teams of workers to meet the enormous wartime demand.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 97/389fo. Die pairing: obverse 97, reverse 389. 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 97/389fo