(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-460K-1d, J.F. Lenour IN

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from J.F. Lenour of Indiana. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. J.F. Lenour issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 460K-1d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. 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. 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 5 cataloged varieties, J.F. Lenour was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 460K-1d