(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-230B-2d, Craddick & Homan IN

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Craddick & Homan, operating in Danville, Indiana. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. Craddick & Homan issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 230B-2d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 5 cataloged varieties, Craddick & Homan was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 230B-2d