(1863) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-630A-1j, Atlantic Garden NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$408 MS66 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Civil War store card issued by Atlantic Garden of New York. 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. The german-silver composition of this variety (Fuld 630A-1j) is scarce for this merchant. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. The German silver alloy gives these tokens an attractive appearance that has made them popular with collectors. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

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 7 cataloged varieties, Atlantic Garden was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630A-1j