(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-630BQ-4E, NY

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from New York, cataloged as Fuld 630BQ-4E. 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 white metal striking (Fuld 630BQ-4E) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. White metal (a tin-based alloy) pieces are scarcer than copper and often show significant wear from their soft composition. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

White metal (tin alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to the softness of the alloy. With 17 cataloged varieties, this merchant was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630BQ-4E