(No Date) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-150AH-1j, Judd & Corthell IL

Coin Details

Auction Record

$264 MS65RB 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Store card of Judd & Corthell in Illinois, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. The german-silver composition of this variety (Fuld 150AH-1j) is scarce for this merchant. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. The German silver alloy gives these tokens an attractive appearance that has made them popular with collectors. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and are sought after for their distinctive silvery appearance. With 1 cataloged varieties, Judd & Corthell was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 150AH-1j