(1862) German Silver Civil War Store Card F-57A/444j, Indian-Fruit & Vegetables

Coin Details

Description

Civil War token cataloged as Fuld 57A/444j, combining obverse die 57 — a design inscribed "THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT" — with reverse die 444 bearing an Indian Head design. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans hoarded federal coins following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861. Struck in German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy containing no actual silver), a scarce composition that produces a bright silvery appearance. No merchant name or location appears on this die combination. The Fuld catalog assigns such tokens to the Location Unknown section, recognizing them as patriotic issues rather than merchant-sponsored currency. Bearing the date 1862. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans had hoarded federal coins since the suspension of specie payments in December 1861.

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, Indian-Fruit & Vegetables was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 57A/444j