(1861-65) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-80B-1j, Herschman. Bros. NY

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Herschman. Bros. in New York, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. New York state generated the second-largest body of Civil War token issues, concentrated in New York City but extending to Albany, Troy, Buffalo, and smaller commercial centers. This german-silver striking (Fuld 80B-1j) is scarce among the known varieties. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. The German silver alloy gives these tokens an attractive appearance that has made them popular with collectors. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

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 1 cataloged varieties, Herschman. Bros. was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 80B-1j