(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-495A-1D, IN

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Robt. Cooder, a Jonesboro, Indiana business. Indiana was an important agricultural and manufacturing state, with merchants producing store cards as emergency currency when federal coinage was hoarded. Robt. Cooder issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 495A-1D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. 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 6 cataloged varieties, Robt. Cooder was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 495A-1D