(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-220A-2d, J.M. Daggett & Co. IL

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,840 MS65 03-25-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War store card issued by J.M. Daggett & Co. of Illinois. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. With 3 known varieties, J.M. Daggett & Co. produced a modest number of token types. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 220A-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. 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 3 cataloged varieties, J.M. Daggett & Co. was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 220A-2d