(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-NL-26b

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card cataloged as Fuld NL-26b in the Location Unknown section. Designated "NL" (Not Listed) in the Fuld catalog, this token falls outside the standard numbering system for Civil War store cards. Such pieces may be recent discoveries, previously uncataloged die combinations, or tokens that defy standard classification. 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. This undated piece was produced circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. These privately manufactured tokens served as emergency coinage when federal cents disappeared from commerce due to wartime hoarding. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute. Americans had hoarded federal coins since the suspension of specie payments in December 1861.

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-26b