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Inventory:
6 In Stock
- Product ID: 35305
The Civil War Patriotic Token 1863 F-79/351, featuring an Indian and Crossed Cannons design, is a fascinating artifact from the tumultuous period of the American Civil War. Lasting from 1861 to 1865, the Civil War was a conflict between the Northern Union states and the Southern Confederate states, primarily over issues related to slavery and states' rights. The war had profound implications for the nation, shaping its future trajectory and defining its identity.
During the Civil War, the production of official coinage by the U.S. Mint was disrupted due to the demands of the war effort. As a result, private individuals and businesses took it upon themselves to produce their own tokens to meet the need for circulating currency. These tokens served various purposes, including fundraising for the war effort, expressing political sentiments, and boosting morale.
The Indian and Crossed Cannons design on the Civil War Patriotic Token is a striking representation of the era's military themes. The Indian figure, often depicted as a Native American warrior, symbolizes strength, bravery, and resistance. The crossed cannons are a traditional military emblem, representing artillery and the firepower of the Union forces. Together, these elements convey a message of martial prowess and determination in the face of adversity.
These tokens were typically struck in copper or brass by private mints or engravers. While they were not legal tender, they circulated alongside official coinage and were accepted as a form of payment by merchants and individuals who supported the Union cause.
The mintage of Civil War Patriotic Tokens varied depending on the specific design and issuer. Some varieties may have been produced in relatively large quantities to meet demand, while others were struck in limited numbers as commemorative or propaganda pieces.
The denomination of Civil War Patriotic Tokens was not monetary but symbolic. Instead of representing a specific value, these tokens conveyed political messages and sentiments related to the war. The Indian and Crossed Cannons token likely served as a symbol of solidarity with the Union cause and support for the military effort.
The condition of the Civil War Patriotic Token, described as AU (About Uncirculated), suggests that the coin exhibits minimal wear and retains much of its original detail. AU coins typically have well-defined features with only slight wear on the highest points of the design, making them highly desirable to collectors as historical artifacts and symbols of patriotism.