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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from New York, cataloged as Fuld 630AK-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 630AK-1F) is rare among the known varieties. The absence of a date on this token is standard for the 1862-1864 era, when speed of production mattered more than formality. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. The silver composition indicates a piece produced outside the normal commercial run, as a numismatic item. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced in small quantities for collectors or as special presentation pieces. With 9 cataloged varieties, this merchant was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630AK-1F