(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-910A-8d, Drovers Hotel MO

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Drovers Hotel of St. Louis, Missouri, cataloged as Fuld 910A-8d. St. Louis was the largest city west of the Mississippi and a vital Union stronghold, controlling river commerce and serving as a major military staging area. The 11 cataloged varieties for Drovers Hotel indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 910A-8d) is somewhat scarce 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. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. 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 11 cataloged varieties, Drovers Hotel was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 910A-8d