(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-720A-3D, MN

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,320 MS65 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

F.W. Andrews of Rochester issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Minnesota was a relatively new state (admitted 1858) also dealing with the Dakota War of 1862, yet its merchants issued store cards during the coin shortage. F.W. Andrews issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 720A-3D) is somewhat scarce. The absence of a date on this token is standard for the 1862-1864 era, when speed of production mattered more than formality. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. 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, F.W. Andrews was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 720A-3D