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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card from the Fuld 700G-1c 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. 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. 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

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 18 cataloged varieties, City Fruit Store was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 700G-1c