(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-460Z-3d, A.D. Wood IN

Coin Details

Auction Record

$960 MS65 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

This Civil War token was issued by A.D. Wood, operating in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis served as a major Union military staging area, with Camp Morton housing Confederate prisoners and Governor Morton directing one of the war's most vigorous state efforts. A.D. Wood issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 460Z-3d) is somewhat scarce. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 460Z-3d