The 1863 Civil War Token Fuld 189/399a, commonly known as the “Star of David” Patriotic Token, is one of the more distinctive Union patriotic tokens issued during the American Civil War. Struck in copper (the “a” designation in the Fuld catalog), this token was privately minted to relieve the nationwide shortage of small change while promoting loyalty to the Union cause. The obverse features a radiant Star of David design with pointed rays, while the reverse displays crossed American flags symbolizing the preservation of the Union. This die pairing was produced by the Scovill Manufacturing Company, one of the largest makers of Civil War tokens. The Fuld rarity rating is R-1 (Common), but it remains highly collectible because of its eye-catching design and historical significance. Civil War Tokens circulated alongside U.S. cents until Congress prohibited private token coinage in 1864.
Specifications
- Year: 1863
- Catalog Number: Fuld 189/399a
- Type: Patriotic Civil War Token
- Composition: Copper
- Diameter: Approximately 19 mm
- Weight: Approximately 3 grams (varies slightly)
- Edge: Plain
- Rarity: R-1 (Common)
- Issuer: Private Mint (Scovill Manufacturing Company)
- Country: United States
The Star of David design has generated interest for generations, but it is important to note that the symbol was used primarily as a decorative geometric motif during the 19th century and was not intended as a religious statement on this token. Combined with the crossed Union flags, it creates one of the most recognizable and visually appealing patriotic token designs of the Civil War era. These tokens are popular with collectors of Civil War memorabilia, exonumia, and U.S. numismatics, offering a tangible connection to the economic hardships and patriotic spirit of the 1861–1865 conflict
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