1864 50C BG-1016b Copper DT (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1864 'Defeat The Copperheads' token emerges not from a need for circulating currency, but from the fervent and deeply divided political landscape of Civil War-era California. By 1864, the Union war effort was in its fourth year, and the upcoming presidential election pitted incumbent Abraham Lincoln against his former top general, George B. McClellan. A significant faction within McClellan's Democratic party, known as 'Peace Democrats' or pejoratively as 'Copperheads,' advocated for an immediate, negotiated peace with the Confederacy. Union supporters viewed this stance as treasonous, believing it would lead to the dissolution of the United States. In California, a staunchly Union state but with a vocal minority of Southern sympathizers, this political tension was acute. This token was a piece of political propaganda, a wearable or pocketable statement of allegiance to the Union and a denunciation of the Copperhead movement. Struck in the style of the popular California Fractional Gold pieces, it leveraged a familiar format to spread a potent political message. The use of copper, a base metal, rather than gold, underscores its purpose as a widely distributable token rather than a piece of intrinsic value. The slogan 'DEFEAT THE COPPERHEADS' on the reverse is a direct, unambiguous command to the electorate. These pieces served as a rallying cry for Unionists, a tangible expression of their political will during a critical juncture in American history. Their existence highlights how even small, privately minted tokens could play a role in the larger national drama, reflecting the passions and conflicts of their time far beyond the gold fields.
Associated EventU.S. Civil War & 1864 Presidential Election
Reason For MintingTo serve as a pro-Union political token denouncing Peace Democrats ('Copperheads') during the 1864 presidential election.
Minter HistoryThe specific minter of the BG-1016b is not definitively known, a common trait for many California tokens. However, the style, planchet quality, and die work are characteristic of the major San Francisco jewelers and die-sinkers of the period, such as Frontier, Deviercy & Co., who were known to produce other patriotic and political tokens in addition to California small denomination gold. These firms had the skill and equipment necessary for such productions and were central to the private minting industry in California.
Historical SignificanceThis token is a significant tangible artifact of the political strife within the Union during the Civil War. It provides a direct link to the anti-Peace Democrat sentiment in California and serves as a powerful example of how numismatic items were used for political propaganda and to express partisan loyalty.
N/A
Denomination50 Cents (Token)
Minting Period1864
Assayer/MinterUnknown, possibly Frontier, Deviercy & Co.
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionA beaded border surrounds a classic Liberty Head facing left, similar in style to contemporary U.S. gold coinage. Thirteen stars encircle the head.
Obverse Inscription(No inscription other than the stars and date)
Reverse DescriptionA simple wreath surrounds the denomination '50 CENTS'. The political slogan 'DEFEAT THE COPPERHEADS' is inscribed in an arc above the wreath, following the token's curvature. Below the wreath, the date '1864' is present.
Reverse InscriptionDEFEAT THE COPPERHEADS / 50 CENTS / 1864
CompositionCopper
Stated Fineness Actual Fineness Diameter14.50 mm
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival Estimate50-100
Rarity ScaleR-5
The BG-1016b is highly sought after for its direct and potent connection to Civil War politics. It appeals to collectors of California tokens, Civil War exonumia, and political Americana, making it a classic crossover piece with strong demand from multiple collecting areas.
Key VarietiesThe primary varieties are based on composition. While the requested coin is the copper regular strike (BG-1016b), this die pair was also famously used to strike tokens in gold (BG-1016) and silver (BG-1016a). No proof restrikes or special collector issues are known from the period or later.
Authentication TipsAuthentic examples exhibit sharp, well-defined details characteristic of mid-19th century die work. Look for die file marks and a specific die crack that often appears on the reverse, running from the rim through the 'S' in COPPERHEADS. Counterfeits are often cast, showing a porous or soapy surface, or may have incorrect letter spacing and font styles. The weight and diameter should conform to known standards for genuine specimens.
Shopping ConsiderationsA premium quality example will exhibit a bold strike, particularly on the highest points of Liberty's hair and the leaves of the wreath. Original, glossy chocolate-brown or reddish-brown surfaces are highly desirable. Avoid examples that have been harshly cleaned, which will appear unnaturally bright or show hairline scratches. Light, honest wear is acceptable and often expected, but look out for distracting rim bumps, scratches, or spots of corrosion (verdigris), which will significantly impair value.
A coin's grade is its condition, rated on a 1-70 scale. For rare coins, this is the most critical factor in determining value, as a tiny difference in preservation can mean a huge difference in price.
Relevant Grade TypesOriginal period issues were business strikes intended for distribution, not circulation in the monetary sense. They are found in Circulated (1-58) and Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. The vast majority of surviving examples are circulated. No Proof (PR/PF) examples were struck during the original period of issue, and no later-date Proof restrikes are known to exist.
Mint State CharacteristicsAn uncirculated (MS) example of BG-1016b will showcase full, unbroken mint luster, which on a copper token presents as a satiny or semi-reflective sheen, often with underlying reddish tones. The strike is typically sharp, though minor weakness on the highest points of the central devices is not uncommon. Due to the nature of their production and distribution, even Mint State examples may show minor planchet flaws or small contact marks, but they will be free of any wear.
Circulated Wear PatternsWear first appears on the highest points of the design. On the obverse, check the hair curls above Liberty's eye and ear, and the cheekbone. On the reverse, the high points of the wreath's leaves and bow will show rubbing first. As wear progresses, the finer details of the hair and leaves will merge, and the lettering will begin to weaken at its highest points.
Key Factors For ValueThe primary value driver is surface preservation. An example with original, undisturbed surfaces and attractive, even toning will command a significant premium over one that has been cleaned, polished, or has developed corrosion. Strike quality is also key; a sharply struck piece with full details is always preferred. Eye appeal is paramount—a smooth, problem-free surface with pleasing color will always be more valuable than a higher-grade but less attractive specimen. A CAC sticker for this issue indicates superior quality for the grade and will add a substantial premium.