(No Date) Civil War Patriotic Token F-164/312a, Army & Navy

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 164, a political figure or patriotic design from the Civil War era, with reverse die 312 bearing the inscription "ARMY & NAVY" within a laurel wreath, often with crossed sabers. This tribute to the Union military was one of the most popular reverse legends, appearing on dozens of die combinations. Civil War patriotic tokens were privately struck cent-sized pieces that circulated as emergency currency during 1862-1864, when wartime hoarding drained federal coinage from commerce. Over 25 million patriotic tokens were produced before Congress banned private coinage in April 1864. 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. Although undated, this token was manufactured during the 1862-1864 period when private tokens circulated as emergency currency.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 164/312a. Die pairing: obverse 164, reverse 312. 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 164/312a