(1863) Copper Civil War Store Card F-700I-2a, J. & H. Miller WI

Coin Details

Description

J. & H. Miller of Racine issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Wisconsin was a growing frontier state with Milwaukee as its largest commercial center, and its merchants issued tokens as practical solutions to the coin shortage. With 3 known varieties, J. & H. Miller produced a modest number of token types. This copper striking (Fuld 700I-2a) 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. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

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 3 cataloged varieties, J. & H. Miller was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 700I-2a