(1861-65) White Metal Civil War Store Card F-145B-1e, G.L. Bowne NY

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by G.L. Bowne of New York. G.L. Bowne operated "The Iron Clad" hardware store in Cooperstown, New York — a business name cleverly referencing both ironclad warships and the iron goods sold within. His tokens read "WILL REDEEM AT THE IRON CLAD / G.L. BOWNE." The Iron Clad Building at 92 Main Street is now a contributing structure to the Cooperstown Historic District. The white metal composition of this variety (Fuld 145B-1e) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. Between 1862 and 1864, Northern merchants produced millions of private tokens to compensate for the disappearance of federal coinage. White metal strikings are less common than copper or brass and show more wear due to the soft alloy.

Rarity Notes

White metal (tin alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to the softness of the alloy. With 15 cataloged varieties, G.L. Bowne was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 145B-1e