(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-NL-42a

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card cataloged as Fuld NL-42a 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 copper, the standard metal for Civil War tokens chosen because cent-sized copper pieces passed as substitute federal cents in everyday commerce. 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. The end of the token era came in 1864 when Congress authorized new small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of wartime monetary history.

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-42a