(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-690E-3e, TN

Coin Details

Description

Ni Walker & Napier of Nashville issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Nashville fell to Union forces in February 1862 and served as a critical supply base for the remainder of the war. Merchant tokens from Nashville date to the Union occupation period. Ni Walker & Napier issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in white metal, this die combination (Fuld 690E-3e) is somewhat scarce. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. White metal (a tin-based alloy) pieces are scarcer than copper and often show significant wear from their soft composition.

Rarity Notes

White metal (tin alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to the softness of the alloy. With 9 cataloged varieties, Ni Walker & Napier was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 690E-3e