(1863) Silver Civil War Store Card F-95F-2F, GW-587 Daniel Williams NY

Coin Details

Description

GW-587 Daniel Williams of New York issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War. 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 silver striking (Fuld 95F-2F) is rare among the known varieties. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. The silver composition indicates a piece produced outside the normal commercial run, as a numismatic item. 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

Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced in small quantities for collectors or as special presentation pieces. With 13 cataloged varieties, GW-587 Daniel Williams was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 95F-2F