(1879) White Metal Token Rulau Ct-Ha 8, Removal of Battle Flags

Coin Details

Auction Record

$168 MS63 09-02-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

White metal commemorative token marking the return of Connecticut regiment battle flags to the State Capitol in Hartford, 1879. After the Civil War, regimental battle flags were stored in various locations until formal ceremonies were held to permanently house them in state capitols. The removal and preservation of these flags was a solemn civic occasion honoring the sacrifice of Connecticut's volunteer regiments. These ceremonies, held across Northern states throughout the 1870s-1880s, generated commemorative tokens, medals, and other memorabilia. White metal, 28mm. Reconstruction-era tokens capture a period when American commerce was reorganizing after the war, with merchants using token advertising to rebuild their customer bases. Connecticut tokens reflect the state's role as a manufacturing center, with firms like the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury producing both tokens and coinage planchets.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Connecticut Civil War commemorative token documenting the ceremonial return of regimental battle flags. Battle flag commemoration tokens from any state are scarce. Collected by Civil War memorabilia specialists, Connecticut historians, and military token enthusiasts.

Cross References

Rulau Ct-Ha 8; PCGS #813291