(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Patriotic Token F-181/343d, Union For Ever

Coin Details

Auction Record

$600 MS65 05-29-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 181, a Federal Union loyalty or patriotic design, with reverse die 343 bearing the legend "UNION FOR EVER". One of the most defiant slogans of the Northern cause, declaring an unshakable commitment to preserving the republic. Shield and cannon obverses in this die range drew on heraldic and military imagery to express Union loyalty. These designs were popular because their bold, simple motifs reproduced well on the small cent-sized planchet format. Struck in copper-nickel, an uncommon composition for Civil War tokens. The heavier copper-nickel alloy gave these pieces a silvery appearance and greater heft than standard copper issues. Bearing the date 1864. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans began hoarding federal coins following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861, creating the currency vacuum that patriotic tokens filled.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 181/343d. Die pairing: obverse 181, reverse 343. Copper-nickel is an uncommon composition for Civil War tokens. 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 181/343d