Object Details
Description (Brief)
One (1) Civil War token
United States, 1861
Obverse Image: Man with a large hat, bandanna around his neck, and a shirt decorated with stars.
Obverse Text: I AM READY / 1861
Reverse Image: Approximately forty (40) stars.
Reverse Words: THE UNION MUST & SHALL BE PRESERVED
Edge: Smooth
Description
There are numerous examples of Civil War Tokens that display sentiments in favor of the Union. Many of the patriotic series Civil War Tokens were issued in New York. The lack of tokens in the South has been attributed to the fact that the majority of private minters were located in the North. This token depicts a pro-Union stance: “I AM READY” and “THE UNION MUST & SHALL BE PRESERVED.” Once these tokens were circulated, they would remind their user of the Union’s justifications for war and buoy up nationalist spirits.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861
ID Number
2013.0023.006
accession number
2013.0023
catalog number
2013.0023.006
Object Name
token
Physical Description
copper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 3.1 cm; 1 7/32 in
place made
United States
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
Civil War
Coins, Currency and Medals
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1440611