(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165A-2d, Gentrys IN

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Gentrys, located in Centervill, Indiana. Indiana was an important agricultural and manufacturing state, with merchants producing store cards as emergency currency when federal coinage was hoarded. Gentrys issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165A-2d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. Many Civil War tokens survive in high grades because merchants and the public saved them as novelties, resulting in a better average preservation than contemporary federal coins.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 165A-2d