(1864) Civil War Store Card F-530A-1j, GW-674 Ni Nantucket Sanitary Fair MA

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,080 MS65 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Great Fair, located in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Massachusetts was a center of manufacturing and abolitionist sentiment, with Boston and surrounding cities contributing Civil War tokens as emergency currency. Great Fair issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in german silver, this die combination (Fuld 530A-1j) is scarce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are sought after for their distinctive bright appearance. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

Rarity Notes

German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and are sought after for their distinctive silvery appearance. With 6 cataloged varieties, Great Fair was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 530A-1j