(1864) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-700A-8j, Arcade House RI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Arcade House of Rhode Island. Rhode Island was an important manufacturing center in textiles and jewelry, with Providence merchants issuing Civil War tokens for daily commerce. Arcade House issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This german-silver striking (Fuld 700A-8j) is scarce among the known varieties. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. German silver pieces have a silvery-white color that distinguishes them from the more common copper and brass strikings. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

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 8 cataloged varieties, Arcade House was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700A-8j