Museum Collections
Luce Center
Civil War token
Object name
Civil War token
Date
1863
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
diameter: 13/16 in. ( 2 cm )
Object Number
INV.13855.73
Marks
Die struck: Obverse: ``NEW YORK''
Die struck: Reverse: ``PRO BONO PUBLICO 1863''
Gallery Label
Tokens called "Civil War tokens" were struck in some northern cities between 1863 and 1865 to supply small change for public transactions. To circumvent anti-counterfeiting laws, they were either not denominated or bore an evasive valuation, as here (i.e., "medal for one cent"). This token was engraved by Emil Sigel of 177 William Street, New York City.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.





