Collection Highlights
French press
1812-1819
1943.368
Mahogany, mahogany veneer; yellow poplar, white pine, brass, plaster
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Civil War token
Object name
Civil War token
Date
1863
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
Overall: 3/4 in. ( 1.9 cm )
Description
Token; copper; depiction of a farmer on obverse, and a bald eagle on reverse; obverse "MONEY MAKES THE MARE GO / GO IT BUTTONS / 1863" reverse "UNITED STATES COPPER"
Object Number
Z.3176
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.
