Produced expired copy of license on traffic stop. The number showed up valid in cop's system. Got ticket for not possessing a driver's license. Help!

I was pulled over for "failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign" (I disagreed, but didn't argue). I had forgotten my wallet, but I always keep my old license in the glove with my insurance and registration card in case I'm in an accident and they need ID. I presented the officer with my valid registration and insurance and my expired license with the explanation that I left my wallet at home. He checked the license number and told me that it was indeed valid in their system, but then gave me a $180 ticket for 39:3-29 "Failure to Possess Driver's License". This seems harsh and unnecessary since I did produce all valid documents even though the license in his hand was the old one from before I renewed my current card. It's not like it was 15 years old or anything and my number was valid and the ID and all the info on it other than the expire date were valid. So do I have any recourse? I want to fight this in court but will be out of town that date and have no money for the fine,