Bidspirit auction | 1863 US Civil War Patriotic

1863 US Civil War Patriotic Token, Washington Equestrian Statue, Union For Ever - This 1863 US Civil War patriotic token is a copper-alloy specimen commonly classified by numismatists under the Fuld cataloging system, frequently identified as variety F-174/272. Privately struck during the American Civil War to address the shortage of government-minted small change, these tokens served as a circulating medium. The obverse features an equestrian statue of George Washington atop a rectangular pedestal, encircled by the legend FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE with the date 1863 at the bottom. The reverse displays the central inscription UNION FOR EVER contained within a wreath composed of a palm branch on the left and an oak branch on the right. A US shield with two crossed flags is positioned at the base of the wreath. The piece lacks a mint mark, consistent with private manufacturing of the era. Diameter: 19mm. The token is in circulated condition, exhibiting characteristics consistent with a grade of Very Fine. There is moderate wear visible on the high points of the equestrian design, specifically the rider's leg and the horse's musculature, as well as on the central lettering of the reverse. The surfaces display a pleasing brownish-tan patina with areas of darker toning and minor scattered contact marks. The rim remains mostly intact with small instances of softening.