(1864) Silver Civil War Patriotic Token F-142/349f, Maj. Gen. Geo. B. McClellan

Coin Details

Auction Record

$600 AU55 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 142, a uniformed bust of Major General George B. McClellan, the popular but cautious commander of the Army of the Potomac who ran against Lincoln in the 1864 presidential election, with reverse die 349 bearing a portrait or inscription referencing President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln tokens are among the most sought-after Civil War patriotic issues. McClellan obverse dies captured the general at the height of his popularity with the Army of the Potomac. These tokens gained additional political significance when McClellan became the Democratic presidential nominee in 1864, challenging Lincoln for the presidency. 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. Bearing the date 1864. Collectors classify these tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique obverse and reverse die combination. Rarity ratings range from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Fuld 142/349f. Die pairing: obverse 142, reverse 349. 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 142/349f