(1864) Civil War Store Card F-220A-2a, J.M. Daggett & Co. IL

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by J.M. Daggett & Co. in Illinois. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. With 3 known varieties, J.M. Daggett & Co. produced a modest number of token types. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 220A-2a) is common. 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. 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 strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 3 cataloged varieties, J.M. Daggett & Co. was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 220A-2a