No Date Token F-350aA-a Copper PE THos. Bennett NJ

Coin Details

Description

This undated copper Civil War store card cataloged as Fuld 350aA-a features a patriotic die (PE) issued by Thos. Bennett of New Jersey. Thomas Bennett's token circulated in his New Jersey community during the Civil War coinage crisis. New Jersey occupied a complex position during the war — while firmly Union, the state had significant Democratic opposition to Republican war policies and voted against Lincoln in both the 1860 and 1864 presidential elections. Merchants who issued patriotic tokens in New Jersey were making a deliberate political statement in a state where Union loyalty was contested in political if not military terms. The copper composition and cent-sized format allowed Bennett's token to circulate as emergency currency in everyday transactions where federal small change had become unobtainable due to hoarding and speculation.

Rarity Notes

Copper Civil War store card. Fuld 350aA-a. Thos. Bennett, New Jersey. NJ CWT pieces carry political context premium.

Cross References

PCGS #963087; Fuld 350aA-a; Thos. Bennett, NJ