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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from New York, cataloged as Fuld 630AR-1J. 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. Struck in german silver, this die combination (Fuld 630AR-1J) is scarce. 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. Between 1862 and 1864, Northern merchants produced millions of private tokens to compensate for the disappearance of federal coinage. German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are sought after for their distinctive bright appearance. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and are sought after for their distinctive silvery appearance. With 9 cataloged varieties, this merchant was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630AR-1J