(No Date) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-231/231a, Full Brockage

Coin Details

Auction Record

$840 MS65BN 08-11-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 231, a military or naval design, with reverse die 231 bearing a design featuring "Full Brockage". Dies in this range encompass naval scenes, constitutional inscriptions, and fraternal symbols. The variety demonstrates that Civil War tokens served not only as emergency currency but also as miniature propaganda platforms for causes ranging from Union patriotism to fraternal solidarity. Struck in copper, the most practical metal for tokens intended to fill the gap left by hoarded federal cents. Copper tokens survive in greater numbers than any other composition, reflecting their enormous production volumes. This undated piece was produced circa 1862-1864, during the wartime coin shortage. The end of the token era came swiftly in 1864 when Congress authorized new small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of a brief but remarkable chapter in American monetary history.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 231/231a. Die pairing: obverse 231, reverse 231. 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 231/231a