(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-160B-3d, Hiatt & Showalter IN

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 160B-3d — store card of Hiatt & Showalter, Cadiz, Indiana. Indiana was an important agricultural and manufacturing state, with merchants producing store cards as emergency currency when federal coinage was hoarded. Hiatt & Showalter issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 160B-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. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 6 cataloged varieties, Hiatt & Showalter was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 160B-3d