(1864) Nickel Civil War Store Card F-700D-2c, H. Dobson RI

Coin Details

Description

Arcade House, based in Providence, Rhode Island, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Providence was an important manufacturing center, particularly in textiles and jewelry. The city's merchants issued Civil War tokens to maintain daily commerce. The 14 cataloged varieties for Arcade House indicate a notable level of token production. This nickel striking (Fuld 700D-2c) is scarce among the known varieties. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Nickel strikings are scarcer than copper or brass versions and have a distinctive silvery appearance.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 14 cataloged varieties, Arcade House was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700D-2c