(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-770B-2I, IN

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from M. Osborn, a Plainfield, Indiana business. Indiana was an important agricultural and manufacturing state, with merchants producing store cards as emergency currency when federal coinage was hoarded. M. Osborn issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 770B-2I) is 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. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 8 cataloged varieties, M. Osborn was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 770B-2I