(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-464A-4c, PA

Coin Details

Description

Petersen's, based in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. 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-4c) 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 hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Pure nickel pieces are harder to strike than copper, contributing to their relative scarcity.

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-4c