(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-NL-19b

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card cataloged as Fuld NL-19b in the Location Unknown section. This token carries an "NL" (Not Listed) Fuld designation, placing it outside the standard catalog framework. Not Listed tokens are often later discoveries that expand collectors' understanding of the scope of Civil War-era token production. Produced in brass, an alloy that took die impressions sharply and resisted corrosion well. Brass tokens survive in excellent condition more frequently than copper counterparts. Although undated, this token was manufactured during the 1862-1864 period when private tokens circulated as emergency currency. Private tokens filled the currency vacuum created when Americans hoarded federal coins after the suspension of specie payments in December 1861. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses capable of striking several hundred pieces per hour. The largest manufacturers maintained multiple presses to meet wartime demand.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 1 cataloged varieties, this merchant was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld NL-19b