(1863) White Metal Civil War Store Card F-555A-3e, GW-589 J.L. Agens & Co. NJ

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS62 12-21-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

J.L. Agens & Co of Newark issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. New Jersey was a vital industrial and transportation state, with Newark, Trenton, and Paterson as major manufacturing centers where merchants issued Civil War tokens. The 18 cataloged varieties for J.L. Agens & Co indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in white metal, this die combination (Fuld 555A-3e) is somewhat scarce. 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. White metal (a tin-based alloy) pieces are scarcer than copper and often show significant wear from their soft composition. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

White metal (tin alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to the softness of the alloy. With 18 cataloged varieties, J.L. Agens & Co was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 555A-3e