Civil War Tokens

Early in 1862 coins were gradually withdrawn from circulation.  At first only gold and silver coins were withdrawn.  Citizens, expecting an increase in value, started hoarding coins, including bronze coins, to such an extent that there were no coins left in circulation.

After a few attempts were made, all disasters, tradesmen were forced to issue metal pieces that would take the place of coins.  These are commonly referred to as tokens.  It is estimated that ultimately over 10,000 varieties, totaling over 25,000,000 were issued, primarily in the East and Midwest.   The way that business was conducted is that salesmen for the token manufactures would offer to sell a merchant tokens at a discount from "face" value.  A merchant would buy some token already made up for say $8.00 for $10.00 worth.  Or for an additional fee, a merchant could have tokens made with advertising for his business.

Collectors of Civil War Tokens classify them in two major categories, Store Cards and Patriotics.  Store Cards had advertising on one side of the token.  Sometimes the advertising included a picture of a product.  A Patriotic token has a political slogan or picture, but nothing that ties it to a specific business.

There are many ways to collect Civil War Tokens.  For your convenience I am listing a few:

For more information about Civil War Tokens, contact the Civil War Token Society, Dale Cade Secretary, 26548 Mazur Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.  The $10 annual dues brings to you The Civil War Token Journal.

My collection is listed.