(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-430A-2d, TN

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Barry & M'Dannel of Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee was divided during the Civil War. Nashville fell to Union forces in 1862, and merchants in Union-controlled areas issued tokens as emergency small change. Barry & M'Dannel issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 430A-2d) is 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. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 5 cataloged varieties, Barry & M'Dannel was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 430A-2d