(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-690D-6D, IL

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Penoyer & Larkin of Paris, Illinois. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. The 10 cataloged varieties for Penoyer & Larkin indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 690D-6D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. The absence of a date on this token is standard for the 1862-1864 era, when speed of production mattered more than formality. Token production was a specialized trade — die sinkers maintained catalogs of stock dies that merchants could pair with custom obverses. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. 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 10 cataloged varieties, Penoyer & Larkin was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 690D-6D