(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-150BG-1J, IL

Coin Details

Description

C. Winsauer of Illinois issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. With 2 known varieties, C. Winsauer produced a modest number of token types. This german silver striking (Fuld 150BG-1J) is scarce among the known varieties. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The German silver alloy gives these tokens an attractive appearance that has made them popular with collectors.

Rarity Notes

German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and are sought after for their distinctive silvery appearance. With 2 cataloged varieties, C. Winsauer was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 150BG-1J