(1863) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-630AM-1j, Christoph Karl NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$312 MS63 12-13-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

Store card of Christoph Karl in New York, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. 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. This german-silver striking (Fuld 630AM-1j) is scarce among the known varieties. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. The German silver alloy gives these tokens an attractive appearance that has made them popular with collectors. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

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 11 cataloged varieties, Christoph Karl was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630AM-1j