Please Post Your Eagles On 19th Century US Tokens

Agree, jbuck, a shame. As much as I enjoy finding beautiful pieces, the majority of my acquisitions were motivated by history and scarcity, it seems. This Lincoln medalet was among the majority. Had it been in higher grade, it may never have found its way into my cabinet.

Come to think of it, jbuck, our stamped avatar coins aren't all that pretty, either!

The 1837 Half Cent Token has long been among my favorites from the Hard Times era. The eagle is about as close in comparison to those on circulating coins as eagles pictured on other tokens. Judging from the many worn pieces I've seen over the years, these tokens served use in trade. Their design is well executed and artful, methinks. Here's one of the nicer examples I have. Note that there are no scratches on this one, jbuck!

Here's a stately eagle, apparently at peace with wings spread. It looks to me like he's thinking, "We're cool, but don't mess with me."

This token, dated 1863, celebrates Grant's victory at Vicksburg that summer. Although this token/medalet is generally thought to be a post Civil War piece, but there's no evidence apparent which I could find to support this. I think it should be listed as a Civil War token. Note the length of Grant's beard. By 1864, and to the time of his demise, Grant kept his beard much closer trimmed. Also, had this piece been produced following the war, I suspect that the facial image of Grant would more closely resemble him.

There are a great many Civil War tokens that utilize eagles. Here's a spread-winged eagle on an 1864 Lincoln token, Fuld # 128/289. The eagle looks ready to take to the air. I've long thought that this Lincoln image was too whimsical and didn't look much like him.

Here's an eagle on a so-called "Indiana Primitive" Civil War token, Fuld # 155/431, a patriotic. Note the broken shield and the missing ends of the arrows that should be extending from the eagle's talons. Misalignment of the letters and die cutting errors add to the curious nature of this issue.

Here's a Union eagle atop a cannon. This patriotic Civil War token, bearing scarce dies (Fuld # 160/417), has long been among my favorites in the series. The die sinkers were Mossin & Marr of Wisconsin. I've long wondered if "Old Abe," mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Regiment, might have been the inspiration for the obverse die .... see below ....







Below is a CDV or carte de visit souvenir from the Sanitary Fair held in Chicago in 1865. These fairs were held to raise money to aid war veterans. These cards were sold for 15 cents - see reverse legend.

Very nice!