(1861-65) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-700G-1j, City Fruit Store RI

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by City Fruit Store, operating in 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. City Fruit Store issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The german-silver composition of this variety (Fuld 700G-1j) is scarce for this merchant. 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. The German silver alloy gives these tokens an attractive appearance that has made them popular with collectors. 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 6 cataloged varieties, City Fruit Store was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700G-1j