(No Date) Civil War Patriotic Token F-509/510Af, John Bell-Presidents House

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,560 MS63 09-02-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 509, a portrait of John Bell, the Constitutional Union candidate in 1860 who drew Whig and Know-Nothing support, with reverse die 510A bearing a view of the President's House (the White House), a distinctive campaign-era architectural design. This die belongs to Benjamin True's 1860 presidential campaign series. True's Cincinnati workshop produced tokens for all political factions, including pro-secession designs that are now among the most valuable and historically significant pieces in the entire patriotic token series. Struck in silver, a rare composition reserved for special orders or presentation pieces. Silver patriotic tokens were produced in tiny quantities for collectors and dignitaries. Although undated, this token was manufactured during the 1862-1864 period when private tokens circulated as emergency currency.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 509/510Af. Die pairing: obverse 509, reverse 510A. Silver strikes are rare presentation or special-order pieces. 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 509/510Af