(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-692A-15d, Yankee Robinson IL

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Yankee Robinson, operating in Peoria, Illinois. 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 copper-nickel striking (Fuld 692A-15d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 10 cataloged varieties, Yankee Robinson was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 692A-15d