(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-460F-2i, J.B. Grout IN

Coin Details

Auction Record

$660 MS65 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Store card of J.B. Grout in Indianapolis, Indiana, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Indianapolis served as a major Union military staging area, with Camp Morton housing Confederate prisoners and Governor Morton directing one of the war's most vigorous state efforts. J.B. Grout issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The zinc composition of this variety (Fuld 460F-2i) is scarce for this merchant. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 7 cataloged varieties, J.B. Grout was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 460F-2i