(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-630AH-1F, NY

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from New York, cataloged as Fuld 630AH-1F. New York state generated the second-largest body of Civil War token issues, concentrated in New York City but extending to Albany, Troy, Buffalo, and smaller commercial centers. This silver striking (Fuld 630AH-1F) is rare among the known varieties. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The silver composition indicates a piece produced outside the normal commercial run, as a numismatic item. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced in small quantities for collectors or as special presentation pieces. With 5 cataloged varieties, this merchant was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630AH-1F