(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-NL-25b

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card cataloged as Fuld NL-25b 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. Struck in brass, a copper-zinc alloy that gave the token a golden appearance while maintaining similar size and weight to copper pieces. This undated piece was produced circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. 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-25b