1863 Token F-105/198e GW-620 White Metal Washington Star-Eagle

Coin Details

Description

The 1863 Civil War patriotic token F-105/198e (GW-620) in white metal features the same Washington portrait obverse (die 105) paired with the star-and-eagle reverse (die 198). The "e" suffix in the Fuld catalog designates white metal composition, distinguishing it from the copper and brass variants of the same die pair. White metal Civil War tokens are considerably scarcer than copper or brass versions, as the soft tin-based alloy was not well suited to circulation. White metal strikings were produced in small quantities as collector pieces rather than for use as emergency currency. The bright silvery appearance of white metal gave these tokens an attractive visual quality, but the softness of the alloy meant they showed wear quickly. The GW-620 designation in the Musante-Baker catalog connects this token to the broader universe of Washington medallic art, bridging the Civil War token collecting field with Washingtoniana.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 105/198e in white metal. White metal Civil War tokens are scarce across all die combinations. Condition-sensitive.

Cross References

Fuld 105/198e; Musante-Baker GW-620; PCGS #788453