(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-460Q-3d, Roos & Schmalzried IN

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Roos & Schmalzried, operating in Indianapolis, Indiana. As Indiana's capital and a major railroad hub, Indianapolis was the center of the state's Civil War token production, with merchants using tokens as practical emergency currency. Roos & Schmalzried issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 460Q-3d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 6 cataloged varieties, Roos & Schmalzried was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 460Q-3d