I have a Civil War token with 12 stars. I know it's not an error because there are numerous other types that also have 12 stars instead of 13. For a few months now (depending on availability of spare time), I've been trying to research the reason, but have not been successful. I had suspected that perhaps 12 out of the 33 States (during that period) had belonged to the Union or Confederacy, but nope - the numbers didn't match. When I checked "cwtokens.com," I found no answer there either. Perhaps it was simply an aesthetic "neat dozen" in a design with no significance? I searched the Numismatist website but nothing there either. If anyone has ideas to share, it would be great.
A very interesting question. I wonder if the 13 stars would be to close to copying US coins of the time. My guess would be the Engravers Choice. I have both types, and one with just one. Quite symbolic for One Country.
Perhaps and I am only speculating here Maryland wasn't a union state so to speak. It was by occupation forces... and depending on what part of Maryland you could have cousin fighting cousin. The area around Andrews AFB and south was full of Southern sympathizers. Lincoln was not taken through Canden yards station in fear of an assassination. So perhasp the missing star is Maryland
Alurid, thanks for sharing your tokens. It's interesting that, for the first one you posted, there are 12 stars on the obverse, but 13 above the shield on the reverse. So maybe the 12 stars were simply just for the sake of an "even dozen"? And I like that the nose on yours (not YOUR nose) is not as "witchily long" as the one on mine.
Hi Paddy54 - yes, that's a good hypothesis. If MD were to be considered part of the Confederacy, that would make 12. Thanks.
Well it wasn't but sort of like a DMZ even though battles were fought here....old line state is one of it's nic name.....as well as the state song Marylang my Maryland now considered a racist song which it is if you read the words....and understand their meanings....also taken from the tune of ...oh christmas tree.
