(1860-65) Token F-420A-1d Copper-Nickel PE J.M. Brunson OH

Coin Details

Description

This copper-nickel patriotic envelope Civil War token from 1860-65 is cataloged as Fuld 420A-1d and was issued by J.M. Brunson of an Ohio location. The Fuld number 420A indicates a specific Ohio city attribution with merchant identifier "A" and die combination 1, while the "d" suffix denotes the copper-nickel composition. Copper-nickel was a relatively uncommon metal for Civil War tokens, as most were struck in copper or brass. The use of copper-nickel indicates this piece was specifically produced to more closely resemble the government's copper-nickel Indian Head cent, which was the coin these tokens were designed to replace in circulation. J.M. Brunson's identity as a merchant is established through the token itself, which served as both a business card and a medium of exchange during the coin shortage of 1862-64. Civil War tokens in copper-nickel are sought by specialists because the metal choice indicates intentional effort to create a piece that would circulate alongside and be accepted in place of federal coinage. The PE (Patriotic Envelope) reverse design was one of the most commonly used standardized reverse dies, featuring patriotic imagery that expressed Union loyalty and made the tokens more acceptable to the public.

Rarity Notes

Fuld 420A-1d in copper-nickel is scarce. Copper-nickel Civil War tokens are generally rarer than copper or brass versions and are actively sought by series collectors.

Cross References

PCGS #816870; Fuld 420A-1d; J.M. Brunson, OH; Civil War store card, copper-nickel