Civil War Merchant Token - Frank L. Gay Bookseller Providence, Rhode Island

Reverse

Inscription in Wreath

Script: Latin

Lettering: GOOD FOR ONE CENT Redeem.ed

Comment

1863 Frank L. Gay Civil War Merchant Token. Fuld-RI700E-2j, R.8. German silver. Issued by Frank L. Gay, a bookseller in Providence, Rhode Island. This is an untoned and fully brilliant, Uncirculated example of this rare variety. A 1-mm round toning spot is observed above the I of R.I. In addition, we point out a version of what would appear to be file lines affecting the lower right portion of the storecard side. We believe that these marks were on the planchet before striking occurred, similar to adjustment marks on early Federal silver issues. Perhaps the planchet was punched from the end of strip. As a result of the planchet being thinner, localized strike weakness is observed. Nonetheless, this is a beautiful example of Fuld-RI700E-2j, which is rarely offered for sale.