(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-175D-1d, Dr. C. Kindermann IN

Coin Details

Description

Dr. C. Kindermann of Columbia issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Indiana was an important agricultural and manufacturing state, with merchants producing store cards as emergency currency when federal coinage was hoarded. With 4 known varieties, Dr. C. Kindermann produced a modest number of token types. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 175D-1d) 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. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 4 cataloged varieties, Dr. C. Kindermann was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 175D-1d