(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-480B-2B, KY

Coin Details

Description

John W. Lee, based in Lexington, Kentucky, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Kentucky was a critical border state maintaining Union loyalty while deeply divided. Louisville served as a major supply depot and source of merchant tokens. The 18 cataloged varieties for John W. Lee indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 480B-2B) is common to somewhat scarce. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. 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. Brass strikings are among the more available variants, though less common than copper.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 18 cataloged varieties, John W. Lee was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 480B-2B