(1861-65) Brass Civil War Store Card F-765R-2b, Pittsburgh PA

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Pittsburgh of Pennsylvania, cataloged as Fuld 765R-2b. Pennsylvania was the Union's industrial heartland, with Philadelphia as a manufacturing center and Pittsburgh as an iron and steel producer. Pittsburgh issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 765R-2b) is common to somewhat scarce. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Brass tokens are moderately available, with their yellowish color distinguishing them from the standard copper issues. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 6 cataloged varieties, Pittsburgh was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 765R-2b