(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-464A-2c, PA

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Petersen's in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Pennsylvania was the Union's industrial heartland, with Philadelphia as a manufacturing center and Pittsburgh as an iron and steel producer. Petersen's produced 30 cataloged die varieties, reflecting a substantial token operation. This nickel striking (Fuld 464A-2c) is scarce among the known varieties. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. 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 30 cataloged varieties, Petersen's was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 464A-2c