(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-700C-3d, Charnley RI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Charnley, located in Providence, Rhode Island. Providence was an important manufacturing center, particularly in textiles and jewelry. The city's merchants issued Civil War tokens to maintain daily commerce. With 3 known varieties, Charnley produced a modest number of token types. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 700C-3d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 3 cataloged varieties, Charnley was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 700C-3d