(1864) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-615A-1i, Robert Naper IL

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Robert Naper, operating in Naperville, Illinois. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. With 3 known varieties, Robert Naper produced a modest number of token types. Struck in zinc, this die combination (Fuld 615A-1i) is scarce. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 3 cataloged varieties, Robert Naper was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 615A-1i