(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-472A-1d, Ellsworth & Halsey IL

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Ellsworth & Halsey, operating in Lacon, Illinois. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. Ellsworth & Halsey issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 472A-1d) 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. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 472A-1d