(1863) Brass Civil War Store Card F-460T-1b, M. Spencer IN

Coin Details

Auction Record

$504 MS66 10-14-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Store card of M. Spencer in Indianapolis, Indiana, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. As Indiana's capital and a major railroad hub, Indianapolis was the center of the state's Civil War token production, with merchants using tokens as practical emergency currency. M. Spencer issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 460T-1b) is common to somewhat scarce. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Brass planchets were readily available to die sinkers, making this a relatively accessible metal variant for collectors. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 7 cataloged varieties, M. Spencer was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 460T-1b