(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-472A-1B, IL

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Ellsworth & Halsey, a Lacon, Illinois business. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. Ellsworth & Halsey issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This brass striking (Fuld 472A-1B) is common to somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Undated Civil War tokens like this one circulated alongside dated issues during the 1862-1864 period. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Brass tokens are moderately available, with their yellowish color distinguishing them from the standard copper issues.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 5 cataloged varieties, Ellsworth & Halsey was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 472A-1B