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

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Civil War store card issued by Alfred S. Robinson of Connecticut. Connecticut was an arms-making center in the war, with Colt in Hartford and the New Haven Arms Company. 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.

Cross References

Rulau Ct Ha 16