(1864) Silvered Civil War Patriotic Token F-142/347fpe, Maj. Gen. Geo. B. McClellan

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS62 09-21-2022 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 347 bearing a portrait or inscription referencing General George B. McClellan. McClellan commanded the Army of the Potomac and ran against Lincoln in 1864. George B. McClellan obverse dies reflected the general's complex legacy — beloved by his troops for his organizational genius but criticized for his excessive caution in battle. His 1864 presidential candidacy against Lincoln added political dimension to these already-patriotic tokens. This copper striking represents the standard composition for patriotic tokens. Die sinkers chose copper because its properties — malleability, durability, and cent-like appearance — made it ideal for mass-produced emergency currency. Bearing the date 1864.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 142/347fpe. Die pairing: obverse 142, reverse 347. 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 142/347fpe