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The Civil War Patriotic Token 1863 F-45/332, known as the Liberty-Our Army variety, stands as a tangible piece of history from one of the most tumultuous periods in American history, the Civil War. Lasting from 1861 to 1865, the Civil War was a conflict between the Northern Union states and the Southern Confederate states, primarily fought over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and the preservation of the Union.
Produced in 1863, during the height of the Civil War, the Liberty-Our Army Patriotic Token served both as a form of currency and as a symbol of unwavering support for the Union Army. These tokens were circulated throughout the Union states, featuring patriotic designs and slogans intended to boost morale and rally support for the Union cause during a time of great strife and uncertainty.
The design of the Liberty-Our Army token typically features the profile of Lady Liberty, a timeless symbol of freedom and democracy, alongside imagery representing the Union Army. This design choice underscores the token's patriotic theme, emphasizing the unity and strength of the Union military forces as they fought to preserve the integrity of the nation.
During the Civil War, the production of official coinage by the U.S. Mint was severely disrupted due to the demands of the war effort. Consequently, private individuals and businesses took it upon themselves to produce their own tokens to meet the demand for 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-Our Army variety 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. Nevertheless, each surviving example of these tokens provides valuable insight into the sentiments and attitudes prevalent during this turbulent period of American history.
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-Our Army Patriotic Token, described as UNC (Uncirculated), indicates that the coin exhibits no signs of wear and retains its original mint luster. Uncirculated coins typically have well-defined features with no wear or blemishes, making them highly desirable to collectors as pristine examples of Civil War-era currency and symbols of American patriotism.