(1864) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-145B-2j, G.L. Bowne NY

Coin Details

Description

G.L. Bowne of New York issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War. G.L. Bowne operated "The Iron Clad" hardware store in Cooperstown, New York — a business name cleverly referencing both ironclad warships and the iron goods sold within. His tokens read "WILL REDEEM AT THE IRON CLAD / G.L. BOWNE." The Iron Clad Building at 92 Main Street is now a contributing structure to the Cooperstown Historic District. The german-silver composition of this variety (Fuld 145B-2j) is 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. Between 1862 and 1864, Northern merchants produced millions of private tokens to compensate for the disappearance of federal coinage. German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are sought after for their distinctive bright appearance.

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 15 cataloged varieties, G.L. Bowne was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 145B-2j