(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-420A-3e, WI

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 420A-3e — store card of W.H. Horn, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Wisconsin was a growing frontier state with Milwaukee as its largest commercial center, and its merchants issued tokens as practical solutions to the coin shortage. The 10 cataloged varieties for W.H. Horn indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in white metal, this die combination (Fuld 420A-3e) is somewhat scarce. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. White metal strikings are less common than copper or brass and show more wear due to the soft alloy.

Rarity Notes

White metal (tin alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to the softness of the alloy. With 10 cataloged varieties, W.H. Horn was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 420A-3e