(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-460X-1i, Weaver & Maguire IN

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Weaver & Maguire of Indianapolis, Indiana. As Indiana's capital and a major railroad hub, Indianapolis was the center of the state's Civil War token production, with merchants using tokens as practical emergency currency. Weaver & Maguire issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 460X-1i) is scarce among the known varieties. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 6 cataloged varieties, Weaver & Maguire was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 460X-1i