(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-700A-1c, RH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from the Fuld 700A-1c series, attributed to the unidentified issuer "RH." The Fuld 700 "RH" series represents one of the most extensive unidentified issuer groups in the Civil War store card catalog. The initials "RH" appear on tokens struck in numerous die combinations and metals, suggesting commercial-scale production during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Struck in nickel, an uncommon composition that is scarcer than copper or brass versions. The absence of a date is common for Civil War tokens, which were produced during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. The coin shortage of 1862-1864 affected virtually every retail transaction in the Northern states, as hoarding removed silver and copper coins from circulation faster than the U.S. Mint could replace them. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, and the introduction of fractional currency notes and new bronze two-cent pieces gradually eliminated the need for emergency tokens.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 24 cataloged varieties, RH was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700A-1c