War Token, Civil War Period

War token with Sigel on hourseback and “HERO OF PEO RIDGE” obverse and shield and “OUR COUNTRY” reverse. These little mementoes of the War of the Rebellion represent the small currency chiefly in use during that period. They were all privately issued, and the Government did not interfere. Merchants displayed their cards on them (often with appropriate characteristic devices), and freely used them in their business. Others partook of the general type, were supplied in suitable quantities to the purchaser, and were “current everywhere.” They continued in circulation until about 1867 when their use was prohibited by law.

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