Civil War 1863 “Not One Cent” Token

[40 Rounds]

I thought I had found a very worn Indian head penny when this popped out of the ground. I could make out 18** in the date and after taking a couple of quick pictures I put it away and figured I would try to read the date at home. When I got home I was surprised to see it looked like 1868. But with some rubbing and a magnifying glass it looked like 1863. I figured that can’t be right because it’s not a “fatty” IHP.I flipped it over to the wreath side and noticed there was no shield, then I saw the “Not”! The light bulb when on in my head! This is an 1863 “not one cent” Civil War token! Granted it’s in rough shape but there is no doubt that is what I found. Never thought I would find one of these tokens!

 

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[tamrock]

Interesting find. Would like to hear more on what exactly it is and how it was issued and exchanged.

 

[lenmac65]

That’s awesome! I was not familiar with that particular Civil War token. Congrats on a very cool find.

 

[pepperj]

That’s awesome! I was not familiar with that particular Civil War token. Congrats on a very cool find.

The "Not One Cent" Civil War token, specifically the 1863 Indian Head variety, emerged as a form of patriotic protest against the perceived corruption and waste during the American Civil War. These tokens, often made of copper, featured the words "Not One Cent" on the reverse, a direct critique of the extravagant spending on the war effort while widows and orphans struggled. The obverse typically displayed an Indian Head bust and the year 1863, sometimes with inscriptions referencing the excessive cost of war contracts or the need for support for those affected by the conflict.

Here's a more detailed look:

• Purpose:
  The tokens served as a form of protest against the government's handling of the war effort, particularly the perceived corruption and extravagance associated with contracts and supplies.
  
  
• Design:
  They typically featured the words "Not One Cent" on the reverse, contrasting with the obverse, which usually included an Indian Head image, the date 1863, and other patriotic or critical messages.
  
  
• Circulation:
  These tokens were widely circulated and accepted as currency in some areas, particularly during the Civil War period.
  
  
• Legal Status:
  The US Congress passed a law in 1864 prohibiting the issue of private coins or tokens, making Civil War tokens like the "Not One Cent" officially illegal.
  
  
• Legacy:
  Despite their short-lived legality, the "Not One Cent" tokens remain a significant historical artifact, reflecting the public's concerns and frustrations during the Civil War.
  
  
• Value:
  While the exact number of "Not One Cent" tokens produced is unknown, they are considered rare and valuable collector's items today, with varying prices depending on condition and rarity.
  

 

[lenmac65]

The "Not One Cent" Civil War token, specifically the 1863 Indian Head variety, emerged as a form of patriotic protest against the perceived corruption and waste during the American Civil War. These tokens, often made of copper, featured the words "Not One Cent" on the reverse, a direct critique of the extravagant spending on the war effort while widows and orphans struggled. The obverse typically displayed an Indian Head bust and the year 1863, sometimes with inscriptions referencing the excessive cost of war contracts or the need for support for those affected by the conflict.

Here's a more detailed look:

• Purpose:
  The tokens served as a form of protest against the government's handling of the war effort, particularly the perceived corruption and extravagance associated with contracts and supplies.
  
  
• Design:
  They typically featured the words "Not One Cent" on the reverse, contrasting with the obverse, which usually included an Indian Head image, the date 1863, and other patriotic or critical messages.
  
  
• Circulation:
  These tokens were widely circulated and accepted as currency in some areas, particularly during the Civil War period.
  
  
• Legal Status:
  The US Congress passed a law in 1864 prohibiting the issue of private coins or tokens, making Civil War tokens like the "Not One Cent" officially illegal.
  
  
• Legacy:
  Despite their short-lived legality, the "Not One Cent" tokens remain a significant historical artifact, reflecting the public's concerns and frustrations during the Civil War.
  
  
• Value:
  While the exact number of "Not One Cent" tokens produced is unknown, they are considered rare and valuable collector's items today, with varying prices depending on condition and rarity.

Thanks for the info! I have only found a couple Civil War tokens, and had not seen this one. Very interesting.

 

[Oldrvrrat57]

I've only found 2 Civil war tokens in my years of detecting! To me this is one awesome recovery!

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Congrats on saving a great piece of history !

 

[ToddsPoint]

Interesting find. Would like to hear more on what exactly it is and how it was issued and exchanged.

These are called Civil War store cards. Most were advertising businesses and some were patriotic. Protest might have been a small part but the main reason was that all coins were hoarded in the civil war. By July of ‘63 cents had disappeared. Business were struggling because of lack of coins. The mint answered the call and ramped up production the following summer of the ‘64 cents. They also made the store cards illegal at that time.

 

[jewelerguy]

very cool piece of history

 

[Gare]

Great find Thank you for sharing with us !!!