1861 Token Rulau Ct-Ha 16 Copper-Nickel Alfred S. Robinson

Coin Details

Auction Record

$960 MS66 08-20-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War store card issued by Alfred S. Robinson of Connecticut. Connecticut was a major arms manufacturing center during the Civil War, with the Colt factory in Hartford and Winchester in New Haven producing firearms for the Union. Connecticut merchants issued store cards as emergency small change. The hoarding of federal coinage during the Civil War created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue copper and brass tokens as practical substitutes. The coin shortage was exacerbated by the simultaneous withdrawal of gold and silver from circulation following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861. Civil War tokens have attracted collectors across a wide range of budgets, from common varieties available for a few dollars to unique or extremely rare pieces that have realized five-figure auction prices. The Fuld catalog provides the standard reference numbering system used by collectors and auction houses for Civil War store cards.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 1 cataloged varieties, Alfred S. Robinson was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Rulau Ct Ha 16