(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-464A-3c, PA

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Petersen's, located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. 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-3c) 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. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Nickel tokens were produced in smaller quantities than the standard copper issues. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

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-3c