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

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Ellsworth & Halsey in Lacon, Illinois, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. 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. Struck in zinc, this die combination (Fuld 472A-1I) is scarce. 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. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 5 cataloged varieties, Ellsworth & Halsey was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 472A-1I