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The Civil War Patriotic Token 1863 F-119/398, known as the Washington-Star of David, is a poignant relic from the tumultuous period of the American Civil War. This conflict, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, pitted the Northern states of the Union against the seceding Southern states of the Confederacy in a struggle over issues such as states' rights and slavery.
Issued in 1863, during the heart of the Civil War, this token features a bust of George Washington on the obverse side, the revered Founding Father and first President of the United States. Surrounding Washington's portrait is the inscription "Washington," paying homage to his pivotal role in American history.
The reverse side of the token displays a Star of David, a symbol commonly associated with Judaism and faith. The inclusion of the Star of David on a Civil War token is intriguing and suggests that the issuer may have had connections to the Jewish community or wished to convey religious unity and support for the Union cause.
Like many Civil War Patriotic Tokens, the Washington-Star of David token was privately minted and circulated as a form of currency during the war. These tokens served to address the shortage of circulating coins caused by the economic strains of the conflict, as well as to express political allegiances and patriotic sentiment.
The mintages of Civil War tokens varied widely depending on the specific design and issuer. Tokens classified as R1, such as the Washington-Star of David, are considered relatively common varieties with larger mintages compared to more scarce varieties.
Denominated as XF (Extremely Fine), this particular Washington-Star of David token exhibits minimal wear with sharp detail and some remaining luster. XF coins are prized by collectors for their well-preserved condition, allowing for a clear appreciation of the design and craftsmanship of the token.
As a numismatic artifact, the Washington-Star of David token offers valuable insights into the sentiments and allegiances of Americans during the Civil War era. Its combination of patriotic imagery and religious symbolism makes it a unique and intriguing piece of history, cherished by collectors and historians alike for its historical significance.