(No Date) Civil War Patriotic Token F-259/445a, Trade and Commerce

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 259, a larger 22mm "TRADE AND COMMERCE" design issued by John Gault — typically well-struck and well-preserved, with reverse die 445 bearing a seated goddess of "TRADE AND COMMERCE". This allegorical design personified the commercial activity these tokens facilitated. This die range includes naval subjects, constitutional themes, Masonic imagery, and commercial designs. The diversity reflects the wide range of interests and loyalties expressed through the Civil War token medium, from military patriotism to fraternal and commercial concerns. 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. This undated token was struck during the Civil War coin shortage era of 1862-1864, when most patriotic token production occurred.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 259/445a. Die pairing: obverse 259, reverse 445. 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 259/445a