(1863) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-270A-1j, Harvey & Co. NY

Coin Details

Description

Harvey & Co. of New York produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. 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. Struck in german-silver, this die combination (Fuld 270A-1j) is scarce. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. The German silver alloy gives these tokens an attractive appearance that has made them popular with collectors. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and are sought after for their distinctive silvery appearance. With 3 cataloged varieties, Harvey & Co. was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 270A-1j