(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-580A-1D, IN

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Elliott & Hinshaw in Lynn, Indiana, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. Elliott & Hinshaw issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 580A-1D) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 7 cataloged varieties, Elliott & Hinshaw was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 580A-1D