(1863) Nickel Civil War Store Card F-750P-3c, F.P. Rogers PA

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by CuNi F.P. Rogers, operating in Phila, Pennsylvania. 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. This nickel striking (Fuld 750P-3c) is scarce among the known varieties. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Pure nickel pieces are harder to strike than copper, contributing to their relative scarcity. Many Civil War tokens survive in high grades because merchants and the public saved them as novelties, resulting in a better average preservation than contemporary federal coins.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 6 cataloged varieties, CuNi F.P. Rogers was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 750P-3c