The Patriot’s Copper: Exploring the 1863 “1st in War, 1st in Peace” Civil War Token (F-174/272a)

During the height of the American Civil War in 1863, small change vanished from everyday circulation. Worried citizens hoarded gold, silver, and even copper cents, leaving merchants unable to make change for daily transactions. Out of economic necessity, private mints stepped in to produce Civil War Tokens—privately issued copper pieces that served both as emergency currency and as canvas for bold political statements.

Among the most iconic patriotic issues from this era is the 1863 “1st in War, 1st in Peace” token (cataloged as F-174/272a).

Historical Context & Design Imagery

The iconography on Civil War patriotic tokens served as a powerful rallying cry for the Union.

• The Obverse (“1st in War, 1st in Peace”): The obverse features an equestrian monument honoring George Washington, encircled by the famous phrase inspired by Henry Lee’s 1799 eulogy for the nation's first president: "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." In 1863, invoking Washington's memory reminded a fractured nation of its founding principles and shared heritage.

• The Reverse (“UNION FOR EVER”): The reverse showcases a Union shield surrounded by an intricate oak and laurel wreath, anchored by the uncompromising inscription: "UNION FOR EVER." This direct declaration of loyalty left no doubt where the issuer stood during the conflict.

Catalog & Technical Specifications

• Token Type: Patriotic Civil War Token

• Year: 1863

• Fuld Catalog Number: F-174/272a (Die combination 174 obverse paired with 272 reverse, struck in copper/bronze)

• Certification: NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)

• Grade: MS 64 BN (Mint State 64 Brown)

• Rarity & Population: According to current NGC population data, 107 examples are certified in MS 64 BN, with 150 examples graded higher.

Why This Token Belongs in Your Collection

1. Mint State Preservation: Achieving an MS 64 BN grade from NGC means this token survived over 160 years with minimal contact marks and beautiful natural copper tone. It retains smooth surfaces and crisp visual detail on both the equestrian statue and the patriotic reverse shield.

2. A Gateway to Exonumia: For collectors transitioning from standard U.S. coinage into exonumia, Civil War tokens offer rich storytelling, lower mintages, and direct ties to pivotal moments in American history.

3. Double Patriotic Motif: Combining the memory of George Washington with explicit Union symbolism makes the F-174/272a variety a standout cross-over piece for collectors of political memorabilia, Civil War artifacts, and 19th-century copper.

https://tfjcoins.com/1863-civil-war-1st-in-war-1st-in-peace-token-f-174-272a-ngc-ms-64-bn