1863 Token F-105/199j GW-621 German-Silver Washington -Eagle Ribbon Patriotic

Coin Details

Description

The 1863 Civil War patriotic token F-105/199j (GW-621) in German silver features Washington's portrait with the ribbon-eagle reverse. German silver — an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc containing no actual silver — has a whitish appearance similar to silver. The "j" suffix in the Fuld catalog designates this distinctive composition. German silver was an unusual choice for Civil War tokens and is considerably rarer than copper, brass, or even white metal strikings. The alloy was more commonly used for tableware and decorative hardware in the mid-nineteenth century. Its appearance on a Civil War token indicates either an experimental striking or a deliberate effort to produce a visually distinctive piece for collectors. German silver tokens are actively sought by advanced collectors who pursue complete composition sets of specific die combinations. The alloy's durability is superior to white metal, meaning German silver tokens tend to survive in better condition than their tin-based counterparts.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 105/199j in German silver. Rare composition for Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 105/199j; Musante-Baker GW-621; PCGS #788462