(1863) Lead Civil War Store Card F-630BL-1g, J Schork NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 XF45 10-14-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War-era store card from J Schork 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. Struck in lead, this die combination (Fuld 630BL-1g) is scarce. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Lead examples are rare survivors, as the soft metal is easily damaged and many pieces were discarded. Merchants who issued tokens during the Civil War provided a critical public service by maintaining the ability to make change for routine purchases at a time when federal coinage had nearly vanished from everyday commerce. 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

Lead strikings are uncommon, likely produced as trial pieces or die tests rather than for commercial circulation. With 1 cataloged varieties, J Schork was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 630BL-1g