(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-770D-6d, Tansey & Ballard IN

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,640 MS65 09-02-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

Tansey & Ballard of Plainfield issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Indiana was an important agricultural and manufacturing state, with merchants producing store cards as emergency currency when federal coinage was hoarded. Tansey & Ballard issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 770D-6d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. 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. 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-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 7 cataloged varieties, Tansey & Ballard was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 770D-6d