(1861-65) Charleston F-100a-1a Wv Ms

Coin / United States of America / 1861 / Unknown / Civil War Store Cards - West Virginia / Other / Varied

The coin in question belongs to the series of Civil War Store Cards, specifically from West Virginia, and is dated 1861. These store cards served as a form of currency during the tumultuous times of the Civil War, often issued by local merchants as a means to facilitate trade in the absence of official currency. Key characteristics of this specific piece include a unique denomination categorized under 'Other / Varied', which is reflective of the informal nature of currency during this period. Its production type is noted as a 'Mint Strike', indicating it was produced under manufacturing processes typical of minting coins, although the specific mint responsible for its creation remains unknown. Unfortunately, several critical properties, including its diameter, weight, and mintage, are listed as '0', which may suggest incomplete or unverified data—possibly indicating that this particular coin has not been properly measured or that it is a rare or undocumented variety. As a piece of numismatic history, this store card exemplifies the innovative solutions local communities employed to cope with the scarcity of official currency during the Civil War era. Collectors and historians alike value such items for their unique place in American currency history, especially those linked to significant events like the Civil War.