1863 Token F-105/198b GW-620 Brass Washington Star-Eagle Patriotic

Coin Details

Auction Record

$840 MS66 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1863 Civil War patriotic token F-105/198b (GW-620) in brass features George Washington paired with a star-and-eagle design. Civil War tokens were privately issued cent-sized pieces that filled the vacuum created by the hoarding of federal coinage during the war. The Fuld catalog number F-105/198b identifies the specific obverse die (105, featuring Washington's portrait) and reverse die (198, with a star and eagle motif), with the "b" suffix designating brass composition. Washington's image was among the most popular choices for patriotic token obverses, appearing on dozens of different die combinations. His portrait served a dual purpose — it was immediately recognizable to the public and it linked the Union cause to the founding principles of the republic. The star-and-eagle reverse reinforced these patriotic themes with symbols of American national identity. Brass patriotic tokens are generally less common than their copper counterparts, as copper was the standard composition for most Civil War token production. The brass alloy gives this piece a golden appearance that distinguishes it from the more typical brown or reddish copper tokens.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 105/198b in brass. Brass strikings are less common than copper for most Civil War token varieties.

Cross References

Fuld 105/198b; Musante-Baker GW-620; PCGS #655786