(1861-65) Civil War Store Card F-630I-2C, NY

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from New York, cataloged as Fuld 630I-2C. New York was the nation's commercial capital, with New York City alone producing hundreds of store card varieties from Broadway retailers to waterfront wholesalers. Struck in nickel, this die combination (Fuld 630I-2C) is scarce. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Nickel strikings are scarcer than copper or brass versions and have a distinctive silvery appearance. The Act of April 22, 1864 effectively ended private coinage by imposing penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a $2,000 fine for producing unauthorized coins or tokens. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 8 cataloged varieties, this merchant was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630I-2C