(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-495A-2d, Robt. Cooder IN

Coin Details

Description

Robt. Cooder of Jonesboro issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. Robt. Cooder issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 495A-2d) 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. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 495A-2d