(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-425A-11I, AL

Coin Details

Description

White & Swann, a Huntsville merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Alabama was a Confederate state, making merchant-issued tokens from Alabama particularly unusual. Most date to early in the war or from areas under Union control. White & Swann produced 29 cataloged die varieties, reflecting a substantial token operation. The zinc composition of this variety (Fuld 425A-11I) is scarce for this merchant. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 29 cataloged varieties, White & Swann was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 425A-11I