(No Date) Brass Civil War Store Card F-910B-1b, Lallemand's MO

Coin Details

Description

Hallemand's, a St. Louis merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. St. Louis was the largest city west of the Mississippi and a vital Union stronghold, controlling river commerce and serving as a major military staging area. Hallemand's issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 910B-1b) is common to somewhat scarce. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Brass strikings are among the more available variants, though less common than copper.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 7 cataloged varieties, Hallemand's was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 910B-1b