(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-10A-3d, Wolfe & Sherman IN

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Wolfe & Sherman of Alexandria, Indiana, cataloged as Fuld 10A-3d. Indiana was an important agricultural and manufacturing state, with merchants producing store cards as emergency currency when federal coinage was hoarded. Wolfe & Sherman issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 10A-3d) is somewhat scarce. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 8 cataloged varieties, Wolfe & Sherman was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 10A-3d