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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from the Fuld 700E-1c series, attributed to the unidentified issuer "RH." Part of the extensive Fuld 700 "RH" series, one of the largest groups of unattributed Civil War store cards. With over 100 cataloged varieties across multiple die combinations and metals, the volume of production indicates "RH" was a die sinker, distributor, or jobber who supplied tokens in bulk. 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 was exacerbated by the simultaneous withdrawal of gold and silver from circulation following the suspension of specie payments in December 1861. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in 1864, making this one of the most extensive series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 21 cataloged varieties, Frank L. Gay was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700E-1c