No Date Token F-60AL-1b Brass PE Chas. Stevens MD

Coin Details

Description

This undated Civil War era store card, cataloged as Fuld 60AL-1b, is a brass patriotic edition token issued by Chas. Stevens of Maryland. Charles Stevens was a Maryland merchant who, like hundreds of businessmen across the Union states, turned to privately produced tokens as substitute currency during the Civil War coin shortage. The shortage began in earnest after the suspension of specie payments in December 1861 and worsened throughout 1862-1863 as the public hoarded coins of all denominations. Stevens' token served as both a practical cent substitute and an advertisement for his business. Maryland tokens are particularly interesting to collectors because of the state's border status and the political complexities faced by merchants who needed to demonstrate loyalty to the Union while serving a divided customer base.

Rarity Notes

Civil War store card, Fuld 60AL-1b. Brass patriotic edition. Maryland merchant. Scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #629289; Fuld 60AL-1b; Chas. Stevens, MD