(1864) Copper Civil War Store Card F-692A-13a, Yankee Robinsons IL

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Yankee Robinson in Peoria, Illinois, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. The 10 cataloged varieties for Yankee Robinson indicate a notable level of token production. The copper composition of this variety (Fuld 692A-13a) is common for this merchant. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. 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 10 cataloged varieties, Yankee Robinson was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 692A-13a