Civil War Patriotic Token Value Guide

Struck in 1863 during a severe national coinage shortage, this copper Patriotic Token served as a private substitute for the Indian Head cent. It is a significant piece of numismatic history, representing the Union's resolve through its bold political slogan and wartime utility.

What affects the value of Civil War Patriotic Token?

• Numerical grade and surface preservation, with higher prices for tokens showing original mint luster.
• The presence of any corrosion, 'verdigris', or environmental damage common to ground-find copper.
• Rarity of the specific die combination used during the 1863 minting process.
• Overall strike quality and the legibility of the patriotic slogan's lettering.

How to Identify Civil War Patriotic Token?

• Verify the specific 1863 date and the 'The Federal Union It Must and Shall Be Preserved' inscription on the reverse.
• Check for a diameter of approximately 19mm, consistent with the size of a contemporary small cent.
• Examine the material for authentic aged copper patina rather than modern plating.
• Look for common die varieties associated with the Fuld classification system for Civil War tokens.

History of Civil War Patriotic Token

During the American Civil War, a shortage of government-issued coinage led private businesses to mint their own copper tokens to facilitate trade. Patriotic tokens like this one were issued between 1861 and 1864, often featuring pro-Union sentiments or military imagery. They were eventually banned by the Coinage Act of 1864.