(1863) White Metal Civil War Store Card F-630AU-1e, B. Maloney NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 MS66 12-21-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War store card issued by B. Maloney 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. The white metal composition of this variety (Fuld 630AU-1e) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. White metal (a tin-based alloy) pieces are scarcer than copper and often show significant wear from their soft composition. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

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 3 cataloged varieties, B. Maloney was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 630AU-1e