1863 Civil War Token 'For Public Accommodation' (Patriotic Variety)
U.S. Private Mint (unspecified Civil War era die-sinker) · Collectibles & Antiques > Numismatics (Coins & Tokens)
Era / Decade
1860s (Dated 1863). Struck during the American Civil War to address the shortage of government-issued small change.
Material
Copper or Bronze-alloy. Typical of 'cent-sized' tokens of the era.
Condition
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Visible wear on the high points of Liberty's hair and the Phrygian cap. Significant toning/oxidation and some surface porosity/pitting.
Demand Level
Strong/Niche. Steady demand from Civil War historians and numismatists. Patriotic tokens are easier to sell than 'Store Cards' (business-specific tokens).
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$25.00 (Low) - $45.00 (Mid) - $75.00+ (High, if a rare die variety is identified).
Estimated Retail Value
$40.00 - $60.00 (Current market retail for common patriotic varieties in similar grade).
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for '1863 For Public Accommodation' tokens range from $30 to $55 depending on the specific reverse die (e.g., 'United States of America' or 'Constitution' reverses) and overall eye appeal.
Description
Authentic 1863 Civil War Patriotic Token. Obverse features a Liberty head wearing a Phrygian cap with the text 'FOR PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION' and the date '1863'. These tokens were used as private currency when hoarding caused government coinage to disappear from circulation. Approximately the size of a modern penny.
Key Features
Historical Civil War era artifact; 'Patriotic' series token; distinct Phrygian cap imagery; high collector interest in numismatic history.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The wear patterns, strike style, and specific die typography match known 19th-century die-sinker outputs. Not a common target for modern counterfeiting in this low-mid grade.
Flaws to Note
Significant surface wear and darkening (patina). Minor pitting on the field. The strike is slightly soft on the lettering 'FOR'. Should NOT be cleaned as it destroys value.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (highest traffic for coins), GreatCollections, or local coin shows. Avoid pawn shops as they rarely pay fair market value for numismatics.
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean or polish the metal. Use the keywords 'Civil War Patriotic Token', '1863', 'Numismatic', and 'Exonumia'. Provide high-resolution, macro photos of both the obverse and reverse. Offer free shipping in a protective 'flip' and padded mailer to attract collectors.