(1863) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-630BK-1j, Ed. Schaaf NY

Coin Details

Description

Ed. Schaaf 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. This german-silver striking (Fuld 630BK-1j) is 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. German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are sought after for their distinctive bright appearance. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

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 17 cataloged varieties, Ed. Schaaf was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630BK-1j