Collection Highlights
Architect's Sign
ca. 1837
1953.197
Wood
Support the New-York Historical Society
Help us present groundbreaking exhibitions and develop educational programs about our nation's history for more than 200,000 schoolchildren annually.
Museum Collections
Luce Center
Civil War token
Object name
Civil War token
Date
1863
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.5 mm.
Description
The front shows a lyre within a wreath. The back shows the personification of Germany.
Object Number
INV.13855.74
Marks
Die struck: Obverse: "CHRISTOPH KARL 42 AVENUE A, NEW YORK."
Die struck: Reverse: "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").
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
