(1864) Civil War Patriotic Token F-129/142f, Lincoln-McClellan

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 129, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the wartime Commander-in-Chief whose image served as both political endorsement and patriotic rallying symbol, with reverse die 142 bearing a portrait or inscription referencing General George B. McClellan. McClellan commanded the Army of the Potomac and ran against Lincoln in 1864. Abraham Lincoln's portrait on patriotic tokens transformed everyday commerce into a political statement. These dies are among the scarcest and most valuable in the entire patriotic token series. 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 1864. 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 129/142f. Die pairing: obverse 129, reverse 142. 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 129/142f