(No Date) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-510O-4d, C.E. Graff WI

Coin Details

Auction Record

$576 MS65 08-25-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This Civil War token was issued by C.E. Graff, operating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee was Wisconsin's largest city and a major brewing and manufacturing center, with its large German immigrant population strongly supporting the Union cause. The 15 cataloged varieties for C.E. Graff indicate a notable level of token production. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 510O-4d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. This undated piece entered commerce during the 1862-1864 period when millions of private tokens replaced vanished federal coinage. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 15 cataloged varieties, C.E. Graff was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 510O-4d