(1861-65) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-10A-9d, Benjamin & Herrick NY

Coin Details

Description

Benjamin & Herrick of New York issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Benjamin & Herrick operated as fruit dealers at 427 Broadway in Albany. Their 1863 tokens feature the inscription "REDEEMED AT 427 BROADWAY 1863." The fruit trade was important in Albany due to the city's position as a distribution hub on the Hudson River and Erie Canal system. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 10A-9d) is somewhat scarce. Token production was a specialized trade — die sinkers maintained catalogs of stock dies that merchants could pair with custom obverses. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 21 cataloged varieties, Benjamin & Herrick was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 10A-9d