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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from New York, cataloged as Fuld 630CE-1C. 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. Struck in nickel, this die combination (Fuld 630CE-1C) is scarce. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Pure nickel pieces are harder to strike than copper, contributing to their relative scarcity. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 14 cataloged varieties, this merchant was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 630CE-1C