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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from the Fuld 700B-1c series, attributed to the unidentified issuer "RH." This token belongs to the Fuld 700 "RH" series, a prolific group of unattributed Civil War store cards. Despite extensive research, the individual or firm behind the "RH" initials remains unidentified. The number of die combinations and metal variants indicates large-scale token production. Struck in nickel, an uncommon composition that is scarcer than copper or brass versions. This undated piece was produced circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. The end of the token era came in 1864 when Congress authorized new small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production. Many Civil War tokens were produced in quantities far exceeding actual commercial need, as die sinkers and merchants recognized the speculative collecting interest that was already developing. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of wartime monetary history.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 15 cataloged varieties, RH was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700B-1c