(1863) Copper Civil War Store Card F-630BI-2a, Frederick Rollwagen, Jr. NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120 MS65BN 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Frederick Rollwagen, Jr. in New York. New York was the nation's commercial capital, with New York City alone producing hundreds of store card varieties from Broadway retailers to waterfront wholesalers. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 630BI-2a) is common. 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. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, the U.S. Mint dramatically increased production of small-denomination coins, and the new bronze two-cent piece helped alleviate the shortage. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

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 4 cataloged varieties, Frederick Rollwagen, Jr. was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 630BI-2a