(1861-65) Copper Civil War Store Card F-25B-1a, Gates & Trask IL

Coin Details

Description

Gates & Trask of Illinois produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. With 2 known varieties, Gates & Trask produced a modest number of token types. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 25B-1a) is common. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 2 cataloged varieties, Gates & Trask was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 25B-1a