(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-460T-3D, IN

Coin Details

Description

M. Spencer of Indianapolis issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Indianapolis served as a major Union military staging area, with Camp Morton housing Confederate prisoners and Governor Morton directing one of the war's most vigorous state efforts. M. Spencer issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 460T-3D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. 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 hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. 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 7 cataloged varieties, M. Spencer was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 460T-3D