(1863) Civil War Store Card F-720A-4a, F.W. Andrews MN

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by F.W. Andrews of Rochester, Minnesota. Minnesota was a relatively new state (admitted 1858) also dealing with the Dakota War of 1862, yet its merchants issued store cards during the coin shortage. F.W. Andrews issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper striking (Fuld 720A-4a) is common among the known varieties. 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. Many Civil War tokens were produced in quantities far exceeding actual commercial need, as die sinkers and merchants recognized the speculative collecting interest that was already developing. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

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 7 cataloged varieties, F.W. Andrews was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 720A-4a