(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-700A-2c, RH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from the Fuld 700A-2c 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. Although undated, this token was manufactured during the 1862-1864 period when private tokens circulated as emergency currency. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses capable of striking several hundred pieces per hour. Die sinkers in major cities competed fiercely for merchant orders, offering stock reverses that could be paired with custom obverse dies featuring the merchant's name and business information. The largest manufacturers maintained multiple presses to meet wartime demand.

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-2c