(1863) Brass Civil War Store Card F-630BB-13b, 399 B'Way, N.Y. NY

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from 399 B'Way, N.Y. of New York. 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 brass striking (Fuld 630BB-13b) is common to somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Brass was the second most common planchet material after copper, giving tokens a golden appearance. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 81 cataloged varieties, 399 B'Way, N.Y. was one of the most prolific merchants in the series.

Cross References

Fuld 630BB-13b