(1861-65) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-700D-6j, Arcade House RI

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 700D-6j — store card of Arcade House, Providence, Rhode Island. Providence was an important manufacturing center, particularly in textiles and jewelry. The city's merchants issued Civil War tokens to maintain daily commerce. The 14 cataloged varieties for Arcade House indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in german-silver, this die combination (Fuld 700D-6j) is scarce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are sought after for their distinctive bright appearance. 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

German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and are sought after for their distinctive silvery appearance. With 14 cataloged varieties, Arcade House was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700D-6j