Collection Highlights
William Pitt, the Elder, First Earl of Chatham (1708-1778)
ca. 1770
1864.5
Marble
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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 wearing a headdress srrounded y a ring of stars on obverse, shield with stars and strips on reverse; reverse "UNION FOR EVER / 1863"
Object Number
11.21
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.
