(No Date) Copper Civil War Patriotic Token F-297/409a, The Flag of Our Union

Coin Details

Description

Civil War patriotic token combining Fuld obverse die 297, a patriotic design, with reverse die 409 bearing the inscription "OUR UNION". A personal and possessive declaration of loyalty to the Union. Patriotic tokens filled the currency vacuum created when Americans hoarded federal coins after the suspension of specie payments in December 1861. Die sinkers and token manufacturers stepped in to supply the cent-sized pieces that commerce demanded. The copper composition ensured these tokens closely matched the weight, size, and color of federal Indian Head cents, facilitating their acceptance in daily transactions. The absence of a date is common for Civil War patriotic tokens. Production occurred primarily during 1862-1864 when federal coinage disappeared from circulation. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans began hoarding federal coins following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861, creating the currency vacuum that patriotic tokens filled.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 297/409a. Die pairing: obverse 297, reverse 409. 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 297/409a