(1864) Brass Civil War Patriotic Token F-131/217b, Abraham Lincoln

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 131, a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln — tokens bearing his likeness are among the most sought-after Civil War patriotic issues, with reverse die 217 bearing the inscription "LONG MAY IT WAVE". From Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner." Lincoln obverse dies are prized by collectors for their direct connection to the wartime president. These tokens served both as emergency currency and as portable political endorsements of the Union cause and its leader. Produced in brass, giving this token a distinctive golden appearance compared to the more common copper strikes. Brass tokens typically survive in smaller numbers than their copper counterparts. Bearing the date 1864. 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 131/217b. Die pairing: obverse 131, reverse 217. Brass strikes are less common than copper. 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 131/217b