(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-700D-4c, RH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from the Fuld 700D-4c 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 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. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. The federal government's response to the coin shortage included issuing fractional currency in denominations as small as three cents, but these paper notes wore out quickly and were unpopular with merchants. Americans had hoarded federal coins since the suspension of specie payments in December 1861.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 19 cataloged varieties, RH was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700D-4c