(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-690C-4d, James Miller IL

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 690C-4d — store card of James Miller, Paris, Illinois. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 690C-4d) is somewhat scarce. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. 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 1 cataloged varieties, James Miller was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 690C-4d