(1863) White Metal Civil War Store Card F-630BN-1e, Geo. D. Schmidt NY

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Geo. D. Schmidt in New York, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. New York was the nation's commercial capital, with New York City alone producing hundreds of store card varieties from Broadway retailers to waterfront wholesalers. This white metal striking (Fuld 630BN-1e) is somewhat scarce 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. White metal strikings are less common than copper or brass and show more wear due to the soft alloy. 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

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 6 cataloged varieties, Geo. D. Schmidt was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630BN-1e