(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-250A-3d, A. Jenks IN

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,280 MS65 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

A. Jenks, a Dublin merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. A. Jenks issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 250A-3d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. 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, A. Jenks was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 250A-3d