Collection Highlights
Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita)
c. 1554-1565
1889.10.1.1
Watercolor, black and brown ink, gouache, and white lead pigment over black chalk on ivory paper, laid on paper, formerly mounted on an album page
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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 Lady Liberty surrounded by a ring of stars on obverse, ring of garland with crossed swords at bottom of reverse; obverse "1863" reverse "ARMY / & NAVY"
Object Number
11.7
Gallery Label
During the Civil War, there were no metallic coins of any denomination in circulation. Tradesmen were thus forced to issue a medium that would save commerce. Many of these tokens depicted patriotic subjects. 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.
