(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-640A-5d, J. Butcher's KY

Coin Details

Description

J. Butcher's, a Newport merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Kentucky was a critical border state maintaining Union loyalty while deeply divided. Louisville served as a major supply depot and source of merchant tokens. J. Butcher's issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 640A-5d) is somewhat scarce. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 6 cataloged varieties, J. Butcher's was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 640A-5d