(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-580B-3i, J.A. Hinshaw IN

Coin Details

Description

Store card of J.A. Hinshaw in Lynn, Indiana, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. J.A. Hinshaw issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 580B-3i) is scarce among the known varieties. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 9 cataloged varieties, J.A. Hinshaw was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 580B-3i