National Coin Week 2024: Collecting Civil War Tokens: 100 Years Since Hetrich/Guttag

[@erikbrantner4295]

I have a big question, I have in my possession a civil war token with ( United States copper) Struck on the reverse that was struck over a 1863 Indian head penny graded MS 63... How did this come to exist if the copper - nickel cents were hoarded and why would this be made into a civil war token from a 1863 cent when this coin was already in hand???

[@MoneyOrg]

Thanks for your question! While there are other examples of overstruck civil war tokens, it wasn't the norm. Tokens were substitutes for unavailable small change. The cent would be worth more than a token. Illegal as of April 22, 1864, tokens were a short, but vibrant numismatic moment in American history. Unfortunately, without a photo, we cannot definitively explain why this token was made with a cent.

[@erikbrantner4295]

@@MoneyOrg thanks, Perhaps the cent was made into a token for collectors purposes.. This coin is in uncirculated condition.. That all the info I have on this...