The Flag of Our Union 1863
Patriotic Civil War Token
This anonymously minted coin, carrying perhaps the most famous motto to be put on a Civil War patriotic token, had an American flag and the words, “THE FLAG OF OUR UNION – IF ANYBODY ATTEMPTS TO TEAR IT DOWN SHOOT HIM ON THE SPOT – DIX.” This draconian statement was a partial quote from John A. Dix, who, as Secretary of the Treasury during the secession crisis in January 1861, issued the advice to employees of the United States Mint in New Orleans who had telegraph to Washington, D.C., for instructions after being threatened by the secessionist citizens of the Crescent City.
The Flag of Our Union 1863
Patriotic Civil War Token
This anonymously minted coin, carrying perhaps the most famous motto to be put on a Civil War patriotic token, had an American flag and the words, “THE FLAG OF OUR UNION – IF ANYBODY ATTEMPTS TO TEAR IT DOWN SHOOT HIM ON THE SPOT – DIX.” This draconian statement was a partial quote from John A. Dix, who, as Secretary of the Treasury during the secession crisis in January 1861, issued the advice to employees of the United States Mint in New Orleans who had telegraph to Washington, D.C., for instructions after being threatened by the secessionist citizens of the Crescent City.