Expert: PAPAJACK - 6/8/2008

Question
Hi, i recently found this looks like copper coin in an old house.  I tried to research it via the web but have come up with nothing.  On the front of the coin is the usual indian head but around the head where it should say all the words there are only stars.  On the reverse side of the coin where it should say one cents it dosen't have any words at all.  There is only a picture of arrows pictures a drum and what looks like pipes.

Answer
Hello Mark,                                      

What you describe sounds like a Civil War Token not a coin. Tokens are not coins but this issue was made to be used instead of the one cent coin since all the actual coins were missing from circulation due to the Civil War. They were being hoarded by both the north and the south.  

The heads side depicts an allegorical Liberty figure or sometimes a patriot like Washington; some of the strikes were very poor.   
The flag Drums, Arrows and cannons were popular designs used as well. And most have a date during the Civil War.

They sell from $8 to $12 dollars depending on the issue. Some were made in quantity since there was hoarding of all copper, silver and gold coins during the civil war. They were needed for everyday commerce.

You can get more information about tokens from http://www.cwtsociety.com/history.html

I hope this information helps. Please remember to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Good Luck

PapaJack