(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-580B-2A, IN

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 580B-2A — store card of J.A. Hinshaw, Lynn, Indiana. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. J.A. Hinshaw issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper striking (Fuld 580B-2A) is common among the known varieties. Undated Civil War tokens like this one circulated alongside dated issues during the 1862-1864 period. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 9 cataloged varieties, J.A. Hinshaw was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 580B-2A