(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-920H-2d, Chas. Goeldner WI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Chas. Goeldner 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. Chas. Goeldner issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 920H-2d) is somewhat scarce. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. 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. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.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 7 cataloged varieties, Chas. Goeldner was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 920H-2d