(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-950A-3d, D. Carlile IN

Coin Details

Description

D. Carlile, based in Warsaw, Indiana, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. D. Carlile issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 950A-3d) is somewhat scarce. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 950A-3d