(1863) Brass Civil War Store Card F-520A-2b, C.H. Taylor IL

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by C.H. Taylor of Lodi, Illinois. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. With 3 known varieties, C.H. Taylor produced a modest number of token types. This brass striking (Fuld 520A-2b) is common to somewhat scarce among the known varieties. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Brass planchets were readily available to die sinkers, making this a relatively accessible metal variant for collectors. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 3 cataloged varieties, C.H. Taylor was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 520A-2b