(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-45A-1d, WI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Peck & Orvis, a Baraboo, Wisconsin business. 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. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 45A-1d) is somewhat scarce. This undated piece entered commerce during the 1862-1864 period when millions of private tokens replaced vanished federal coinage. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 13 cataloged varieties, Peck & Orvis was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 45A-1d