(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-630BV-5E, NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$150 MS63 11-21-2018 Heritage Auctions

Description

Civil War store card from New York, cataloged as Fuld 630BV-5E. New York was the nation's commercial capital, with New York City alone producing hundreds of store card varieties from Broadway retailers to waterfront wholesalers. This white metal striking (Fuld 630BV-5E) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. White metal strikings are less common than copper or brass and show more wear due to the soft alloy. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

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

Cross References

Fuld 630BV-5E