(1861-65) Copper Civil War Store Card F-10H-14a, D.L. Wing & Co. NY

Coin Details

Description

D.L. Wing & Co. of New York produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. D.L. Wing & Co. operated as flour merchants at 318 Broadway in Albany, marketing their product under the patriotic brand name "Union Flour." The tokens feature wheat stalks flanking the inscription, reflecting Albany's position as a major grain milling center on the Erie Canal. This copper striking (Fuld 10H-14a) is common among the known varieties. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 18 cataloged varieties, D.L. Wing & Co. was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 10H-14a