(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-630BV-23J, NY

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from New York, cataloged as Fuld 630BV-23J. 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 630BV-23J) is scarce. 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. German silver pieces have a silvery-white color that distinguishes them from the more common copper and brass strikings. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

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 111 cataloged varieties, this merchant was one of the most prolific merchants in the series.

Cross References

Fuld 630BV-23J