1862-64 Civil War Token, Circulated
# M11029 - 1862-64 Civil War Token, Circulated
$35.00
Store Cards Replaced Government Coins During Civil War
During the Civil War, metal coins were taken out of circulation by the government. Citizens began hoarding all metal, including copper coins. Merchants had private coins, known as store cards, minted to make change for their customers. The coins often showed the name and location of the business.
The 1¢ coins were only produced from 1862 until 1864, when Congress passed a law making it illegal for individuals to issue currency in any form.
Store Cards Replaced Government Coins During Civil War
During the Civil War, metal coins were taken out of circulation by the government. Citizens began hoarding all metal, including copper coins. Merchants had private coins, known as store cards, minted to make change for their customers. The coins often showed the name and location of the business.
The 1¢ coins were only produced from 1862 until 1864, when Congress passed a law making it illegal for individuals to issue currency in any form.