(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-700A-3b, RH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from the Fuld 700A-3b series, attributed to the unidentified issuer "RH." Cataloged in the Fuld 700 series under the Location Unknown section, this token bears the initials "RH" as its sole issuer identification. The identity of "RH" remains unconfirmed, though the prolific number of varieties indicates a die sinker or wholesale distributor rather than a retail merchant. Struck in brass, a copper-zinc alloy that gave the token a golden appearance while maintaining similar size and weight to copper pieces. This undated piece was produced circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, the U.S. Mint dramatically increased production of small-denomination coins, and the new bronze two-cent piece helped alleviate the shortage. 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

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 24 cataloged varieties, RH was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700A-3b