(1864) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-45A-1j, Peck & Orvis WI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Peck & Orvis, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Wisconsin was a growing frontier state with Milwaukee as its largest commercial center, and its merchants issued tokens as practical solutions to the coin shortage. The 13 cataloged varieties for Peck & Orvis indicate a notable level of token production. The german-silver composition of this variety (Fuld 45A-1j) is scarce for this merchant. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. The German silver alloy gives these tokens an attractive appearance that has made them popular with collectors. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

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 13 cataloged varieties, Peck & Orvis was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 45A-1j