(1863) Copper Civil War Store Card F-460R-4a, J.F. Senour's IN

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from J.F. Lenour of Indianapolis, Indiana, cataloged as Fuld 460R-4a. Indianapolis served as a major Union military staging area, with Camp Morton housing Confederate prisoners and Governor Morton directing one of the war's most vigorous state efforts. The 10 cataloged varieties for J.F. Lenour indicate a notable level of token production. This copper striking (Fuld 460R-4a) is common 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. 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 10 cataloged varieties, J.F. Lenour was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 460R-4a