(1864) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-132/149a, Lincoln-Johnson

Coin Details

Auction Record

$456 MS62 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 132, a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln — tokens bearing his likeness are among the most sought-after Civil War patriotic issues, with reverse die 149 bearing a design featuring "Johnson". Abraham Lincoln obverse dies are among the most valuable and sought-after in the Civil War patriotic token series. Lincoln tokens command significant premiums, as they combine political, historical, and numismatic significance in a single collectible piece. Struck in copper, the most practical metal for tokens intended to fill the gap left by hoarded federal cents. Copper tokens survive in greater numbers than any other composition, reflecting their enormous production volumes. Dated 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 132/149a. Die pairing: obverse 132, reverse 149. Copper is the most common composition, representing the majority of surviving specimens. 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 132/149a