Collection Highlights
Stained glass window
ca. 1656
1951.414c
Glass
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Civil War token
Object name
Civil War token
Date
1863
Medium
Metal
Dimensions
Overall: 3/4 in. ( 1.9 cm )
Description
Token; metal; depiction of Knickerbocker figure in center of reverse; obverse "KNICKERBOCKER / CURRENCY" reverse "GOOD FOR / 1 / CENT"
Object Number
11.18
Gallery Label
During the Civil War, there were no metallic coins of any denomination in circulation. Tradesman were thus forced to issue a medium that would supply the place of small coins. The first to be made in New York was the Lindenmueller, and followed by the Knickerbocker currency, which consisted of numerous varieties, and were struck in large quantities. The irresponsible nature of these tokens forced Congress to pass an act in 1864, forbidding private individuals to issue any form of money.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
