(1864) White Metal Civil War Patriotic Token F-50/342Ae, Union For Ever

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 50, a military or patriotic-themed obverse design, with reverse die 342A bearing the legend "UNION FOR EVER". Die 342A is a variant of die 342 with the same Union For Ever inscription but different die characteristics. Dies in this military obverse range capture the martial spirit of the Northern home front. Slogans, weapons, and military insignia dominate these designs, reflecting the public's intense focus on the progress and prosecution of the war. Struck in white metal (a lead-tin alloy), producing a silvery appearance. White metal tokens are scarcer than copper and often show softer details due to the alloy's lower hardness. Bearing the date 1864. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, and the introduction of fractional currency notes and new bronze two-cent pieces gradually eliminated the need for emergency tokens.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 50/342Ae. Die pairing: obverse 50, reverse 342A. White metal (lead/tin alloy) strikes are scarcer than copper. 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 50/342Ae