-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 49242
Checkout
The Civil War Patriotic Token 1863 F-7A/316, depicting the Liberty Head with the inscription "Army & Navy," is a significant relic from one of the most tumultuous periods in American history, the American Civil War. Spanning from 1861 to 1865, the Civil War was a defining moment for the United States, as it witnessed the struggle between the Northern Union states and the Southern Confederate states over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and the preservation of the Union.
Produced in 1863, amid the height of the Civil War, the Liberty Head--Army & Navy Patriotic Token served both as a form of currency and a symbol of allegiance to the Union cause. These tokens were widely circulated throughout the Union states, featuring patriotic designs and slogans aimed at bolstering morale and rallying support for the Union forces.
The design of the Liberty Head--Army & Navy token typically showcases the profile of Lady Liberty, a quintessential symbol of freedom and democracy, alongside imagery representing the Union Army and Navy. This design choice emphasizes the importance of national unity and the sacrifices made by soldiers and sailors in defense of the Union. The inclusion of the flag further underscores the token's patriotic message, symbolizing American identity and unity.
During the Civil War, the production of official coinage by the U.S. Mint was disrupted due to the demands of the war effort. Consequently, private individuals and businesses began minting their own tokens to fill the void in circulating currency. These tokens were typically made from copper or brass and were struck by private mints or engravers.
The mintage of Civil War Patriotic Tokens like the Liberty Head--Army & Navy varied depending on the specific design and issuer. While some varieties may have been produced in relatively large quantities to meet demand, others were struck in limited numbers as commemorative or propaganda pieces. Surviving examples of these tokens provide valuable insights into the sentiments and attitudes of the time.
The denomination of Civil War Patriotic Tokens was not monetary but symbolic, serving as a means of expressing political messages and rallying support for the Union cause. Although they were not legal tender, these tokens circulated alongside official coinage and were accepted as a form of payment by merchants and individuals.
The condition of the Liberty Head--Army & Navy Patriotic Token, described as XF (Extra Fine), indicates that the coin exhibits minimal wear but retains much of its original detail. XF coins typically have well-defined features with only slight wear on the high points of the design, making them desirable to collectors as examples of Civil War-era currency and symbols of American patriotism.