1863 Token Legion of Honor St. Johns S.S. Chicago

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era token issued by the Legion of Honor, St. John's Sunday School in Chicago, Illinois. Fraternal and religious organizations issued tokens during the Civil War period for membership identification, fundraising, and commemorative purposes. Chicago was a major center of wartime industrial and civic activity. 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. Fraternal and religious organization tokens are uncommon, as the vast majority of Civil War tokens were commercially produced patriotic or merchant-issued pieces. The Civil War coin shortage began in late 1861 when Americans hoarded gold, silver, and eventually copper coins. Private die sinkers and token manufacturers filled the gap, producing millions of cent-sized pieces that merchants accepted as substitutes for federal coinage.

Rarity Notes

Fraternal and religious organization tokens from the Civil War era are uncommon. Silver strikes are rare presentation or special-order pieces.

Cross References

Legion of Honor, St. Johns S.S., Chicago