(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-870A-4D, IN

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Price Brothers of Sullivan, Indiana, cataloged as Fuld 870A-4D. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. Price Brothers issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 870A-4D) is somewhat scarce 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. 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 6 cataloged varieties, Price Brothers was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 870A-4D