(1863) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-750P-3j, F.P. Rogers PA

Coin Details

Auction Record

$264 MS64 03-05-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

CuNi F.P. Rogers of Phila issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Pennsylvania was the Union's industrial heartland, with Philadelphia as a manufacturing center and Pittsburgh as an iron and steel producer. CuNi F.P. Rogers issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The german-silver composition of this variety (Fuld 750P-3j) 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. German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are sought after for their distinctive bright appearance. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

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 6 cataloged varieties, CuNi F.P. Rogers was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 750P-3j