(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-220A-4b, WV

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Bassett's, a Gleneaston, West Virginia business. West Virginia separated from Virginia in 1863 to remain in the Union. Its merchants produced tokens to address the coin shortage in the newly formed state. Bassett's issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 220A-4b) is common to somewhat scarce. The absence of a date on this token is standard for the 1862-1864 era, when speed of production mattered more than formality. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Brass planchets were readily available to die sinkers, making this a relatively accessible metal variant for collectors.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 220A-4b