(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-920F-2d, Fischer & Rohr WI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Fischer & Rohr of Watertown, Wisconsin. Wisconsin was a growing frontier state with Milwaukee as its largest commercial center, and its merchants issued tokens as practical solutions to the coin shortage. With 4 known varieties, Fischer & Rohr produced a modest number of token types. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 920F-2d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Token manufacturers struck pieces by the thousands, using hand-fed screw presses capable of producing several hundred tokens per hour. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 4 cataloged varieties, Fischer & Rohr was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 920F-2d