(1863) Brass Civil War Store Card F-692A-3b, Yankee Robinson IL

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS64 03-29-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Yankee Robinson, based in Peoria, 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. The 10 cataloged varieties for Yankee Robinson indicate a notable level of token production. This brass striking (Fuld 692A-3b) 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. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The brass composition gives this token a warm golden tone that contrasts with the reddish-brown of copper strikings. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 10 cataloged varieties, Yankee Robinson was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 692A-3b